The topic of bear spray or side arm could probably go on for a long time, each item has its right spot and reason. Something I have wondered if camping late in the fall, how much cold or freezing temps can a can of bear spray take, and on top of having all plastic parts? Anyone have experience with how much pressure is in a can below 30 degrees?
Either item, the biggest part is probably education. I live in Cody, WY the last town before the east gate to Yellowstone. We have our share of grizzly attacks, and deaths. Most of these are still foreigners that do not realize what a wilderness is.
Honest story from last summer. 2 hikers from the east coast stop in town on their way to explore yellowstone, a person asks them if they have a gun or bear spray while hiking. They replied no, because they could not travel with a gun, they asked bear spray, what is that. We replied its a good idea to take along, you can get it at most stores for around $35. Their honest reply was "so bear spray, its like bug spray, you just SPRAY IT ON YOURSELF AND IT KEEPS THE BEARS AWAY?????? after laughing we were tempted to tell them, yes, thats what you do with it.