I did this once -- in North Georgia. About 2 AM a bear -- which the locals said they were rare and afraid of humans anyway -- shows up.

It ran right up to me then backed off... and for 15 minutes or so would lose interest, walk off and then all of a sudden turn and charge at me again. Over and over again.

I had some pepper spray, but I did not think it was close enough to get a good shot and I didn't want to risk using it up.

Finally, I got tired of the game and I jumped up from my chair, threw out my arms, screamed like all hell and pepper sprayed as best I could.

That bear turned and ran off so fast you would not believe it. So did I... ran to my car about a 1/2 mile away and slept there until it was light out before going home.

Never going to do that again.