Ok, fear about wild animals? You probably never meet tham at loop, I can tell You many interesting story's.
You rigth about hiking without gear!

Hmm. Last time I had a bear encouter, it was at Waugh Lake (upper Rush Creek). It was *way* more interested in my pack that it was in me. In fact, some yelling and a thrown rock convinced the bear that there were easier pickings around. Does that count?

About the most ferocious animal that you will encounter is a marmot. They will bare their teeth and challenge you. The only difference between a marmot and a coyote is the marmot won't give up.

As junelake says - the only animal up there that would prefer human on their menu are mountain lions. And they are very few and far between.