Pound for pound I think the Cougar has a distinct strength advantage, and his tools are more refined and efficient for inflicting damage as he is a specialized predator. I would not bet on the average sized black bear to beat the average sized cougar in a fight where the motivations are equal. Of course, if I had to voluntarily join the fray, it would not be without my Super Redhawk and those 300 grain jacketed flat top compressed loads.
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The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.
-- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)