It's not that there are more bears or bear attacks. With the internet and all the different apps these days. We hear about such things almost as it happens. 
    What is really not mentioned is were these people in bear country being smart? 
Do not keep trash at a camp site. When hiking, running, walking, biking in bear territory.  Wear a bell on your shoe(s),  talk out loud etc. Do what you can to avoid walking upon a bear. Trust me. They can be a few feet from you and you might not even know it. 
   Not blaming these people. Just be aware. I have stood a few feet away from people, even walked just to the side and a couple feet behind them and they had no clue I was there. Scared the hell out of them when they finally noticed me.