Paddy I agree with your post, as that is how most folks get into a bad bear situation. They are either not being observant of their surroundings; or they are in an area where bears are feeding in deep brush.

I prefer to avoid encounters with predator critters when possible. If not, depending upon the region I am in, and the prevailing laws, I will be carrying sufficent protection for the area. The different species require different loads, hence you need to be regionally specific to the threat.

I can hold my own with most 2 leggers, and figure the spray is for the backcountry methheads; the bears I'll leave be <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />