I carry one while elk hunting. I ususally come in contact with about 2 bears a day. I actually drew ittwice last year. Once a bear was at full run at me at 20 yards. Luckily for me he wasn't running at me and when he saw me, he turned and ran away. The second, I woke up a sleeping bear. Great idea. I didn't see him and when I woke him up, he was at 15 yards. He immediately went into the full standing position on his back feet. I stupidly charged him and drew my pistol. He turned and ran away.

The year before, I came across a cub. I once again stupidly charged. I never saw the sow. Those sound like famous last words.

If you carry one, make sure it is legal and that you have the proper holster for the condiditons. Don't use a leather holster if it will get wet. I destroyed a perfect condition 357 this way. Now I use the fobus. It won't hold moisture against your pistol.