The company is going to start having an armed guard to watch for bears. This two young women were working out in the field when attacked and it sounds like the bear snuck up behind them. I have had a black bear do that to me twice and I was lucky both times to get to safety only because I happened to turn around and see him. Next to carrying a gun, bear spray is the best deterrent available. It is not always possible for people to carry rifles around while working. But you are right about bear guides carrying rifles. I went out to a bear viewing area where we had guides and they both had rifles. One walked in the front and the other at the back of the group. I can't imagine taking a group of tourists into bear country to view them without adequate protection!