Originally Posted by
fietsbob
Going on a tour thru grizzly bear country is entirely a Personal choice . I doubt it's an issue in NJ.
No grizzlies there, but in the Adirondacks they do have some of the most human habituated black bears of anywhere. There was even a bear in nearby New York state that could open the bear vault canisters prompting a redesign of the lid. I still wouldn't carry bear spray there though. Practicing good camping practices is sufficient.
Then again, the OP may be travelling to Alaska. I still wouldn't carry bear spray there either, but can see where it would make more sense than in the lower 48.