I would say that taking bear precautions where there are no bears is not needed.

But do your homework. Bears turn up in unlikely places and can travel a long way for food. Just because you've never seen one before doesn't mean there isn't.

I know the parks site in Canada lists all known bears and predators sightings weekly by region so that you can look before you go and know that there's a sow with 2 cubs hanging around the area you're heading to (for example).

This also helps in spring if a cranky bear comes out of hibernation early...a bad situation for everybody involved. I normally don't worry about bears while it's still winter out but if a bear has been sighted, I'll bring the spray and hang my food.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/v-g/oursgest-bearmanag/yoho/ours-bear1_e.asp