I don't think a gun is essential in Alaska. Actually, bears here have so much space and ample food supplies (at least the blackies and browns) most years that they have no reason to be aggressive toward the occassional human interloper, so long as the human practices situational awareness and doesn't get between a sow and her cubs. Do bears attack? Sometimes - most often runners who may be mistaken initially as prey, or who unknowingly get between a sow and cubs while running. There are a few maulings in AK every year, but fatalities are very rare. Generally speaking, bears here have plenty of room to disappear before their presence is even known. The primary time I would worry about bears in AK would be while hunting or fishing - bears being opportunistic creatures would smell your kill and think easy lunch.

Situational Awareness... in AK that is your best defense. Bear spray is a good backup.

MNS