[ZenGum]

Also, the play dead trick ... I've seen (docos of) polar bears scavenging. Like, months old rotting rancid whale carcass. Does the play dead trick work with polars?

With non-polar bears, I reckon if Jim stood up tall and wide and roared a bit, there's fair chance a bear would back off. Predators can often be quite wary in choosing prey. Unless they're really hungry. Which they often are. Especially bears, what with that hibernation and all.

Ok, Jim, if you get attacked by a bear, the first thing you must do is look around to see if there are any berries about.