Well, that sucked...
I always wonder about those naturalists that go out into the wilderness unarmed... Bad idea. Nature is cruel and in many areas there's no lack of apex predators that can be dangerous.
My wife and I trek to eastern Tennessee each year to make several hikes in the Smokies. We have encountered mature black bear on several occasions. We carry bear spray. This year, I will also carry a Springfield Armory 1911A1 pistol, chambered in 10mm. I'll carry this in a Front Line HDL- Level III retention holster on a Wolf tactical gun belt, with two 8 round spare magazines. My S&W 586 4" is officially retired...
If the bear spray doesn't deter (and it often is enough), that 10mm will. Indeed, it dropped a 219 lb feral pig like a piano fell on it.