Always carry when I am hiking in the foothills. Rules be damned. Put it in my backpack and out of sight. But it is handy, just in case.
Have seen black bear tracks and scat. I am probably not at any risk, but I am not going to take any chances.
Besides, there are human "animals" on the trails, too.
Good planning.
The populations of bears and mountain lions are growing fast. Wolves are being introduced...