As with most things backpacking, it depends on the situation. Where I have hiked, with the exception of Alaska, the bears, although present, have not bothered us. We have hung our food, but when impossible, kept it in the tent. Nowadays we try hard to take precautions, but I hate bear canisters, but use them when required. So in conclusion; Where I have hiked in California and Washington State there has never been any fatalities from black bear attacks. Around here (Olympic mtns.) we see them or their tracks fairly often, but they don't seem to associate us with food like they to in Yosemite; don't bother us and vice versa.

As more people carry bear spray perhaps the bears will avoid us even more.

I carried a gun in Alaska for a while when I lived here, but it was heavy and I never used it so I quit carrying it and was personally never eaten by a black bear, but it has happened!