[–] mondogecko 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago (edited ago)
Generally if an animal is staring at another, and especially an omnivorous or carnivorous animal, it's planning to prey. This is why friendly dogs who meet do a head-to-butt, and why a dog who loves you squints his eyes. Eyes open wide is a predation/murderous gaze in people, too. Just look at James Holmes.
[–] hyperoperation 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
If you close your eyes you are completely invisible to bears. Try it!
[–] Ariastrasza 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Is a challenge, basically you do not want to challenge the bear, you are just oping he does not want to challenge you either and you can both go away from each other without anybody getting hurt.
[–] AzureNova 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
Eye contact is often seen as a challenge by animals like apes. I know it makes my dogs uncomfortable, and bears are fairly closely related to dogs.