Why did Cole feel threatened by Spirit Bear?

Cole felt threatened by anything with authority and more power than him. Sure it was a bear and that can be threatening to anybody but this Spirit Bear challenged Cole's identity. Cole refused to submit to anybody including a bear. To respect the bear meant a loss of control or rather illusion of control that Cole desperately clung to in order to function.

Thank you guys for all your help ^ - ^ IM DONE FINALLY YESSSSS!!! *Victory dance* I couldnt do this without you Jill, Aslan, and anyone else if I forgot to mention. Thank your so much!