An average black bear is typically just under 3 feet tall standing on all fours, with an average length of about 5 feet 4 inches. An adult's average weight can vary significantly, from as low as 100 pounds to as high as 600. Like most other bears, black bears are solitary and seldom seen with their own.
While black bears don't have the same reputation of docility as [[panda|pandas]], they are generally avoidant of conflict, only fighting when it feels they feel threatened or confident they can win easily. If backed into a corner, a black bear will attempt to intimidate the opponent first, typically by standing on its hind legs and extending its arms. If forced to fight, the black bear can be a dangerous opponent, prone to using its claws and teeth as violently as it can manage.
If you are facing a black bear, observe it first. Let it flee if it isn't confrontational; a black bear that is in no mood to fight is generally no threat to anyone. If the black bear has a more violent disposition, fight back with everything you have. While seasoned hunters typically use powerful rifles with soft or hollow points, you can get by with less powerful weapons as long as you have plenty of ammunition and no qualms about using it. Black bears may look large and tough, but fall relatively easily if you can land your hits.