Hiked / hunted / fished solo beyond numerous occasions in the Bob, Cabinet, Selway-Bitterroot, and in general, pick your spot in NW MT - Lolo, Stillwater Natl forest.. Not to mention Frank Church, etc.
So has many people here within these and other other griz areas.
I.e. spring bear hunting Seeley, North fork, Scapegoat, Great Bear, on and on.
NW Montana has the highest population of grizzlies in the lower 48 States.
Acquaintance Forest Service LEO on his mtn bike killed by a griz.
Griz charged a party of five LEO/Biologists - put down by a shotgun @ 20 yards. In GTNP/YNP Rightfully so. No way did they - our leading outdoor symbol of professionals wait until the griz was in bear spray distance.
It comes with the beauty our NW (and other areas) present!
The key?
Being acutely aware and as best prepared of/for our surroundings is paramount when in environments that pose threats. From wildlife to city criminals.
Murphy's Law is around every corner and will test all well prepared plans. It's the nature of the literal and figurative beast.