OK, black bears live here in the central U.P. I have had one in our garden in our town of 10K plus and another that ran through our yard. I have seen bear poop regularly on trails I have hiked. But I am not aware of any bear/human encounters here that have caused human injuries or deaths. When I go camping I don't carry any kind of deterrent but do practice camp cleanliness and hang food. Also, I don't cook bacon.

OTOH, I have a friend that has camped with his sons and had two loaded armaments in the tent -- IIRC, a shotgun and a rifle, but maybe a pistol and a rifle. Anyway . . .

What is really appropriate. Am I being too nonchalant about a potentially deadly matter? Should I really be carrying weapons? Spray? Anything?

If I were in grizz country, I'd definitely have canister and spray. But here??

I'd be glad for your input.

_________________________
Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.