pepper spray to a bears nose is like getting kicked in the balls. They can smell for miles, and even further after the rain. it's a very sensitive organ. I've also lived in bear country most my life and in my head it is way easier to get a bear to back down from a confrontation than from a meal. At least that's what I've been taught. To always act loud and big and chase them away from town, but always turn the other way and leave if you come across them fishing.