I hike in places sometimes that are so remote that if something unfortunate did happen I probably wouldn't make it out.

Do I bring protection such as bear spray with me? Yes, I most certainly never leave the house unprepared. It's not that I am so scared that a bear is going to come out of the woods charging me, but yet I like to be prepared in any worse case scenario. I always abide by the saying that "you can never be to prepared". I love being out in the woods miles from anything, just me and mother nature.

Really, the thinking should be to respect your surrounding and always be prepared for a worst case scenario. Not having the thought process of living in fear of a bear / mountain lion attacking you. Sure, more times than not a bear is going to avoid you at all costs, or the moment he see's you he will run for the hills.

Just by chance you run into that one animal that decides to be bold, it doesn't hurt to have spray.

Just my two cents...