Bears don't bother me when I go backpacking. But I don't go backpacking in grizzly country. And, I don't store my food in the tent. Not even tooth paste or chap-stick goes in the tent.
I have never been closer to a bear than 30 feet from momma and her two cubs. Four of us were hiking along the trail.
Deer are interesting when backpacking. I have been surrounded by 20+ deer, the closest less than 15 feet away.
When backpacking in California, I am more concerned with rattle snakes.
Safety is relative. I nearly killed myself in a solo snow skiing accident February 2011. One more neck injury and I am likely dead. So, falling down a flight of stairs in the city could be more dangerous than a wild animal in the woods.
Life is for living, enjoy the ride.
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