“We have large wild animals and forests”??? Forests don’t attack people unless they’re on fire. I live in one of the most remote locations in the lower 48 and see all forms of large animals all the time. Bear spray is more effective, safer, more accurate, cheaper, less likely to be stolen, doesn’t need to be locked up, doesn’t need maintenance or target practice, and people don’t freak out if they see you carrying it. Most bears (griz or black) will run as soon as they see you. The only encounters that are trouble are accidental or surprises. They generally have a live-and-let-live attitude towards humans. Something we should all embrace.
This is very true… Comfort food has a temporary calming effect. But unfortunately the problems remain.