Where Do You See Black Bear Before Hibernation?

When you want to see a black bear before hibernation where do you go? I tried Reliance, TN, along the river, following the same trail Mr Muir once did. At the end of the grand expedition I saw a total of 0 black bear putting me at a total view-count of 0 for life.

This was however the first time I went into the woods with the intention of stumbling upon a black bear, I was probably too late. I hope to pick myself up, dust myself off and try again. What did I carry? A 10 inch knife, a cannister of bear spray and an airhorn. I might trade them in.