Black bears are a common sight at Cap Tourmente nature reserve and make for an interesting change from the usual bird photos.
Canon 50D with the 500L f4 IS lens @ 1/250, f4, ISO 640 on a tripod (I do hand-hold this lens occasionally).
This early evening mosquito-filled image is full-frame without crop, and yes the bear was close. The sky was clear, except for a huge cloud covering the setting sun. Just as well, because the sun was behind the bear and the cloud acted as a veil to soften the light.
Cheers.
Mike