Monanahunter, very well said, for a young man you talk the most sense and wish all nonresidents would read and take heed to the the BEAR FACTS as you have stated. I have had black bear encounters face to face, at the same time we look at each other and luckily the bear has always ran off, but a bear is like that of a dog, each is different, some good, some bad, people are the same, each scenerio is different, but when in bear country, the law of average WILL catch up, and you had better be prepared, as you stated, I highly recommend bear spray, and as for my pistol, I do carry it at times, but its more for my own confidence, because your not going to have a chance to react, its in on you lightning fast. Take care neighbor, Bobby