I wonder if Forest and others in the groups were carrying the magic potion known as bear spray. According to a 2008 study on Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, "Persons working or recreating in bear habitat should feel confident that they are safe in carrying bear spray." Evidently when you have a surprise encounter with a bear, bear spray leaps of of its holster and into your hand, safety off, ready to spray. And when you spray, it works every single time.