A few thoughts:
- If you plan to carry a firearm, get training first, and of course only do so legally. Know your capabilities and limitations.
- Defensive tools need to be readily accessible, or they may as well be on Pluto. This likely requires forethought and adjustment of how you carry your tools and whatever pack you have.
- Avoidance is best. Following that is non-lethal deterrence.
very well stated CM (and that also applies to two-legged predators!)