I live where we have plenty of wolves and black bears around. Even a cougar or two now. Ain't a one of them that like being around a human. Much like crocodiles and hippos, the crocs understand that if you mess with a baby hippo, a much large hippo WILL turn you into a nice pair of shoes, a purse, and a brief case in a heartbeat.

Though to be honest, there are a couple of places I've bumped a cougar and seen tracks that when I go there alone, I do carry a pistol for self defense. Cats ain't smart and it's always better to have a means to be safe than sorry.