New thought, how about higher skill/attack hit rate for bears if they are nearer the target?

Take for example Beckon, 12m range. If used from 10-12m, your normal base Hit % applies. But the moment you get nearer, say maybe, 8-9m, your Hit % increases for that skill.

Same thing applies for other skills, at max range, your normal hit % applies, but the nearer you are when you use it, you get a bonus hit increase.

Pure str bears become more potent because going up close and personal actually effects hit rather than dex alone, while hybrid str/dex bears would still be a viable option for those that want to play from afar.

Just thinking out loud.