I was told to make noise with a bear and look big too, and not to back down and not to turn my back. I was told to walk back slowly while being big.
I was told to not worry about coyotes as they dislike humans. And if they are acting strange, they most likely have pups near by. Just be on your way. same with other canines.
But I have been told to not run from a big cat, but also that acting big and scary is not very effective either. I was told to just leave them alone. Do not turn your back if you can. I was told if you act big and let them get close that you are asking for trouble.
Honestly, the animal I am most afraid of in the forest are people.
I have been shot at in a national forest. I was not trespassing, as it was public lands. It was not hunting season I think.
No non-human-animal has ever threatened to kill me just for walking. Yet.
When you think about it, those animals are rather nice and beautiful people. They let us walk through their living room, bed area, grocery store and child rearing area, all without much issue.
Try that with your neighbor who you do not know. They will shoot you. And no one will stick up for you.
But we do that to animals in their environment, and no one cares or thinks.
The arrogance of some people.
But still, there are many good humans too.
I think that one of the hardest things for a human to do, is to leave something alone. Its unfathomable to some that things are at equilibrium WITHOUT their involvement. It suggests they are not needed.
Why do I say this? I am saying that when we walk into a remote forest, we are breaking equilibrium, and should be prepared for the ripples we cause. we are interlopers there. Things happen when you are invading territory not your own. Animals have been preying on us humans since time immemorial. Be prepared.
Avoid loss of life, be it yours and/or the animals.