hiking and bears

i plan on hiking this summer with my 12 yr old son, but to be honest, i'm a little worried about bear encounters. what is the best way to avoid an incident?

You don't really need to be concerned too much. If you are backpacking, just be sure to use a bear container for your food. On day hikes you might see a bear but beyond a mock charge it'll leave you alone. To scare off a bear throw rocks, yell, and make yourself look big. Don't not run from a bear!

For more information: http://www.nps.gov/yose/nature/bears.htm