Bears dont like to be awoken from hibernation, especially the elusive Mohave Desert Bear. As long as you feed it with swag or at least your signature it will go back to sleep quietly.
You wanted a challange, so go hunt some bear. You will need to hike up a small hill, or ride a dirt bike or quad or jeep or Prius with snowchains may make it. If the latter does indeed make it, please take a picture, as this would be epic!