Damon can go for brute strength in directing the bear (including potential baps on the nose 'BAD BEAR' or... I don't know. He could potentially compel the bear to play nice until they get to the Seelie (depending on mod approval/Edric's compulsion susceptibility), and possibly drain any Seelie stragglers near them.

Good for speed scouting ahead and being able to hear/smell incoming scouts/enemies.