I always carry a gun, but it's for the 2 legged predator. I have dealt with a couple of not so friendly black bears over the years but incidents of black bears attacking humans is extremely rare. Coyote attacks on adult humans is pretty much unheard of. We don't have mountain lions nor do we have brown bears. They are the only two 4 legged predators I would have any major concern about. I do like to upgrade to a 180 grain bear load in my .357 magnum when in black bear woods, especially when fishing the local creeks. I'd rather have the option than not. It'll put a hurting on any 2 legged predators I could have issue with as well.
There are some very unsavory people out there. Clandestine meth labs are becoming more and more common in rural areas and in VA we have lots of moonshiners too. I just like having the ability to defend myself if needed. I am so used to carrying a gun everywhere I go, it's not an inconvenience anymore.
