I think carrying is a good idea. The predators aren't always bears. As to being illegal to FIRE it in the park, I'd rather fire it in a life threatening situation and still be alive, than be dead and have obeyed the restriction.

In 2008 (most recent year's data I could find) the National Park Service reported 3,760 reported major crimes, including five homicides and 37 rapes.

According to an ABC article on the law change "Guns are now allowed in all but about 20 of the 392 locations the National Park Service governs, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. Firearms will be prohibited in visitors' centers and park rangers' offices because of a separate law banning guns in buildings where federal employees work."

Check this link out for some great info on carrying in National Parks, National Forests, and State Parks - especially questions 6-8: http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/FAQ.pdf

This might interest you as well - a bear charged two hikers and was stopped with a .45: http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/201...nd-preserve5943