Although encounters are rare and attack very unlikely, theres a reason that our ancestors feared wolves and big cats. We have 'em both, along with plenty of coyotes that sometimes get a little too big for their britches (depending on where you are). I hope you are bringing an old camp gun with you. A used single-shot shotgun can be had for $80. With a handful of steel duck loads, its well worth the price and the 5-6 pounds in your pack. In all my years of backcountry camping I've never shot anything defensively, but I definately sleep better. Enjoy your trip to the wild.