Very neat Elk carcass situation. I don't mean to be flippant about the bears, but Eastern black bears pose very little threat to personal safety, both in my anecdotal experience as we as documented research. I am far more worried about encounters with ticks. The bears can be a real PITA though. My smoker has had quite a few bear hugs, some quite unnecessarily aggressive!
EDIT: The bears have been relentless on my trail cameras this year. 1/2 dozen busted camera shells sit next to my desk as I continue to piece together the remainders. It's getting a little pricey!
