This reminds me of a bear advisory recently issued in Michigan.
"Due to the unusually warm winter and the early spring, an increase in bear activity has been observed. People camping, fishing, sightseeing and backpacking should be on the alert for bears.
As a precaution, the following are suggested. All are encouraged to eat plenty of garlic, which will create a scent about you.
Also it is suggested that you wear little bells around your neck and ankles so as not to startle the bears.
As both grizzly bears and black bears are common in Michigan, the following is a quick profile of how to determine what type of bear frequents the area you are in by the droppings you find.
The black bear droppings will consist mostly of wild berry pits and occasionally undigested foliage or a pizza box.
The grizzly bear droppings will differ greatly. They will contain a sizable amount of bones, smell of garlic and have little bells mixed in."