Jared and the Bear is the quest to rescue Jared from the bear that is pursuing him (even though it stays at the other end of the bridge until such time as you decide to pursue it). In 
Baldur's Gate (1998)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate campaign. the bear is called Mountain Bear, but was renamed to Polar Bear in 
Baldur's Gate:
Enhanced Edition (2012)
This icon indicates content from the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition campaign., both granting 900 XP but with different HP values (60 in Baldur's Gate (1998)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate campaign. but 66 in Baldur's Gate:
Enhanced Edition (2012)
This icon indicates content from the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition campaign.)
The rewards for this quest depend on reaction.
- High reaction (15+): 100 xp, Boots of the North
- Mid-level reaction (8-14): 100 xp, 50 gp
- Low reaction: (7-): 100 xp
In Baldur's Gate (1998)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate campaign. the xp reward for high and mid-level Reaction is 150 xp.
Journal[]
- Triggered By: Speaking to Jared
- Journal Section: Quests, Done Quests
- Quest Title: Jared and the Bear
- Entry Title: Jared and the Bear
- Quest Begins:
I have just met Jared, a lone and frightened merchant, in the wilds of these mountains. He has just fled some bears who have apparently laid claim to the other side of this bridge...
- Quest Completed:
I told Jared that I slew the bear. He did not linger after receiving the news.
Notes[]
- Jared may be killed (for standard Reputation penalty for killing an innocent) or pickpocketed before he exits the area for the Boots of the North if the player's reaction score is not high enough to receive them as a quest reward.