Close encounter: another reason to hike with bear spray

HIKING — A few years ago, I started recommending that hikers carry bear spray and keep it handy on their pack straps virtually everywhere they hike, not just in case of a bear encounter, but also for protection against cougars, wolves and the occasional crazed moose or marmot.

Check out this woman’s recent experience while day hiking at Antoine Peak , which stands tall behind East Valley High School and close to civilization.

OK, so why WOULDN’T you carry bear spray?