"bear threads" are helpful in my opinion ,while many will roll their eyes in a vain attempt to see the top of their own head, others listen with interest and learn from the knowledge of others.
while i agree that a violent encounter is rare, it still happens often enough that planning for it seems prudent.
cougar,coyote,wolves and feral dogs not to mention two legged snakes are also to be considered as potential threats while hiking.

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