It is a pretty fascinating question. I get that the main point is showing how clearly different the situation is for men and women...which in itself is fascinating and sad.
I've probably spent well over 100 nights backpacking in the backcountry now, mostly Sierras. My "in the weeds" experience with bears and the backcountry:
- Grizzly bear is a different situation than black bear, but only Alaska, Montana, Western Canada and a tiny pocket of Wyoming/Washington need to be concerned
- The biggest thing to stay safe from black bears is be safe with your food. If you bring food in your tent and fall asleep that way or leave food strung about your campsite/picnic you definitely could be asking for a violent encounter. Their sense of smell is far superior even to dogs. I saw a black bear totally trash the camp of a boyscout troop while they were away from their camp. If you are smart storing food a black bear encounter wouldn't need to be that different from most wildlife encounters if you stay calm and project confidence.
- I've seen more black bear and mountain lions on the edge of cities or parks/campsites near major towns/roads than I have in the actual backcountry. I've never seen a mountain lion in the backcountry but have seen two in Los Angeles city parks. I've only seen a black bear 2 times actually out in the back country far from civilization, I see them more frequently on the edge of populated areas and places people recreate.
- Nobody needs "bear spray" for black bears, they do recommend it for some activity in some areas with Grizzly populations. Food storage needs to be planned for anywhere near black bears, which is a good chunk of the USA.
- A dog will make a black bear (or most wildlife encounters) less likely. I haven't seen nearly as many large animals since I started going with my dogs and some long time PCT hikers I've met who practically live in the wilderness say a dog is a great way to make sure a black bear doesn't check out your camp at night.