Wayne--

Your comments suggest...

A tiered approach (assuming an encounter is imminent or happening).

1. Warning or avoiding surprising a predator whenever possible, hoping they will decide to leave.

2. Bear spray deployed at its greatest effective range or if the wind will blow it toward the predator. Use the weak/nondominant hand...just in case things go to...

3. A handgun with stopping power. With ability to use it with one hand if needed.

4. A knife if you run out of ammo or somehow lose the gun, maybe int the mayhem of the attack.

And give some though to the anatomy of the critter that is attacking so the vulnerable parts can be targeted with the gun or knife.

Larry