I've recently been going camping and backpacking solo more often because I'm away from school and no one wants to go with me. Last week I've had run-ins with bears. For three days in a row I've seen black bears within 20 yards of me (in a different area). Luckily they've always run off so far.

I have a bear canister and am responsible when it comes to wildlife, but this is starting to freak me out. Last Thursday when I was cooking dinner, a mother had snuck up behind me (w/ in about 4 yards) and I had to be aggressive.

The Catskills are on my way to college and I want to stop for a night or two and do some hikes, but I'm afraid to and am considering just skipping it and sleeping at a state park further south instead. I don't carry a firearm or bear spray and hike and sleep alone. I don't want to push it and put myself in danger even if I really want to go hiking there. What should I do???

Also pic related is mine :)