Yes and no. They’re not as large or aggressive as a grizzle bear, but they’re absolutely still bears. I’ve had encounters where one walked right up into my camp and stole my dinner completely undeterred by me or any noise I made. I’ve also been stalked through the woods by a lone thin looking bear, probably looking for an opportunity to get the drop on me… and then there’s the mama bears. I don’t go out in the woods without bear mace and a heavy caliber handgun with bear loads, better safe than food.

After thought: I also have bear bells that announce my presence as I walk, and more often than not, that will be enough to scare off any in the area so my encounters are rare and spread out over years… still would rather be safe.