I went hiking last weekend and for the first time ever on a hike, saw a bear. A Black bear crossed the trail about 20 yards in front of me and my little hiking buddy, my Black Lab. I tried to get my smartphone out and turned on so I could take a pic but the bear was gone before I could.
Of course, I’m not stupid. I’m always armed - and especially when I hike. Had the bear turned toward us instead of running away from us, I’d have pulled out my gun and lit his ass up.
Hoping it was a sizable weapon. In NorCal one might get away with hiking with a weapon but it would be iffy.