I agree that it is local thing. In the Olympic Mountains we just don't seem to have problems with bears even when we have see them not far from camp. Nevertheless, we are quite careful and use bear containers when required or otherwise hang our food and smelly tooth paste etc. I do know of one case where a bear stuck his head in a tent and quickly grabbed a piece of candy right next to my friends head! Thrilling to be sure, but no harm done. Bears are curious and have even better sense of smell than dogs, I am told. So I personally would never put any thing with any scent on my body.
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Jim M