With the explosion of mountain lion encounters in the Sierra mountains, foothills and even in the cities, I NEVER leave home without one of my .40s (usually my Sig). While my chances, once a big cat is on me, would be slim, I like my chances with a pistol rather than a long gun. With cats, by the time you see em, it's probably too late. Not too concerned with black bears, but I think I'm ready with a .40. I always carry my Ruger .357 GP 100 when I'm pig hunting, been chased a time or two by a pi#@ed off "dead" hog. Then ther's them two legged critters that some one else mentioned. Gotta look out for the ignorant poachers (think about what happened in Wisco). Not that a hand gun would have helped those guys, but ya gotta take every advantage that ya can. Plus, if you were to get hurt and had to fire off the three shot emergency thing, I'd rather use a hand gun. IMHO you should NEVER leave home without your sidearm, NEVER! Peace and God bless, Wolfsong.