Rod,
Went up in the woods once to test fire a 1934 Mauser pistol. It was all that I had with me. While I was shooting I got that "something is watching me" feeling.
I stopped and turned to see a good sized Black Bear standing on his hind legs staring at me and sniffing. I was too far from the rig and had about 3 shots left in the magazine. I started yelling and waving my arms. He just stood there and looked. Finally I fired the last few shots over his head and started backing away toward my rig. He got the hint and left.
After beating myself up for being so stupid I decided that I would never venture out without this from then on.
S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum. My rather have it and not need it gun.
Actually I don't fret much about Black Bears, but Cougars are a different matter. They are sneaky and don't frighten all that easily if they are hungry.
Ron