Had a similar bear experience.
A couple buddies and I went hunting up in the mountians of nothern Pa.
The oldest of the crew was BBQing some steaks for us in bear country.
It was around 5:00pm and he was pretty drunk already so that's the reason we took his gun and made him grill.
Couldn't see much around us due to the vegitation.
All of the sudden a bear comes pondering out to the grill while Rusty was making the steaks.
I was in the Tree Stand looking down and I saw something I would have never expected in my life.
As the bear came over to take one of the steaks ( most likely mine due to being the youngest) Rusty Slapped the bear right across the face.
Me having my rifle ready...expecting the worst, The bear just looked Rusty strait in the eyes with a dumbfounded look on its face.
While Rusty just stood there BBQ'ing like nothing happened.
The bear stood there for about 20 seconds looking at Rusty and left.
After I just comprehended what just happened, Rusty turned and looked up at me and said to me "You know you could'uve shot it, Thanks to you we're eatin Baked Beans tommorro" Then smiled and continued BBQing.