We had a bear in our yard last week. My German Shepherd was in the yard at the same time, and stood her ground. Both animals were growling at each other and the bear finally ambled off. This very large black bear has been around our town for a couple of years now. She also likes to get into the bird feeders and trash barrels. She dragged one of my barrels about 25 feet into the woods and tore apart the trash bags. The food she liked the best: a nearly empty jar of Herhsey's chocolate spread (think Nutela) - there was nothing left but the plastic! She was not a vegetarian, as she left the remains of a green salad and some corn nibblets.