Most of my paintings are based on personal observation and interaction.  During the Alaska summer, bears are usually found meandering river banks munching blueberries and pouncing salmon.  The Alaska Department of Fish and Game warns hikers to wear little bells on their clothes and carry pepper spray.  But I find examining bear scat (poop) a more effective way to avoid risky encounters.  Black bear piles are usually small and contain berries.  Gizzly bear piles are large, with little bells and smell like pepper spray :-)
                                                                                   V Rae