I grew up in the area, hiked through much of it especially the Appalachian Trail. Back then bears were seldom mentioned more than the usual “stay away from the cubs”. Apparently things have changed. Bear spray should be a minimum deterrent and the human population should be aware.
Perhaps the population is aware of the threat, but the victim is an Indian immigrant, more aware of tigers at home than bears here.
Olga Moskalyova, 19, gave an horrific hour-long running commentary on her own death in three separate calls ..
‘Mum, the bear is eating me!’: Frantic final phone calls of woman, 19, eaten alive by brown bear.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2764940/posts