Bear activity south of Hot Springs?

[Nutbrown]

Been a while since I have been on Whiteblaze... got a real job and whatnot, so my apologies for what may be a tired subject. I'm heading out on a solo hike south of Hot Springs, and was wondering what the bear activity has been like. I usually don't bring bear spray or those hokey odor proof bags, but I am usually with a few other people. What say you oh wise Whiteblazers?

[chiefiepoo]

I was through there last week on a section hike. Saw no bears and not much in the way of bear scat and sign. They must be down in the open spaces where the berries ought to be ripe by now.

[No Directions]

Hike with me. I am a bear repellant. I have never seen one while hiking. And that is over 45 years.