This is a key point.
They are a great many human - bear interactions in Colorado annually. When they happen in the mountain towns, they get press. Often it is the bear that gets removed. Bear interaction is on the rise as the state's population has quadrupled in my lifetime. I have no idea how many bears stick there nose under the tent or trail encounters go unreported each year. And, to whom would you report? They are unreported. Likely most bear caused injury makes it to some list but I can tell you in my years firefighting/ambulance/rescue, there was nothing that required notice in the reports to document these less than fatal events. I think lack of data plays a part in saying these event rarely happen.
For me, frequency of events does not play into being prepared. Flat tires are rare. No mater how often or not, I carry a spare tire. I wear seat belts even though I have never been in a bad accident. I keep a scoop shovel, lumber saw and axe in the truck - just cause. They get used little but glad to have them when needed.
I open carry a side arm on trails and in the back country for a multitude of reasons. Two legged threats are far more common than bears. Man's best friend off leash has been the cause of many a harmful events on the trail, and emergency services (me) would be called to respond.
I carry for all these reasons. I have never shot a high country bear. Never had reason to. I think any day I get to see one is a good day. I have watched unnoticed as one moves around looking for food. Turning over logs and rocks or eating the chokecherries, leaves, branches and all, up behind the house.
I guess I am surprised at the (few) posts about bears being a none threat and the message almost sounds like having a handgun with you for bears is all about ones ego and not needed. It almost goes with out saying that this group, a group of shooters and gun owners can so easily bring to the woods a handgun they already own. I do. So no problem there.
Thanks for all the good info. I am happy to have had access to the links posted here and gained the info on this subject.
I will be with handgun as always. Living in the USA is still free (for the time anyway) and I will use my rights. Leaning hard on my 44 Special rights.