I know one guy from Alaska from another forum, who said he carried a pistol because sometimes the bear is on you before a rifle can be useful. Sometimes, apparently, you see cubs, but no mama. Which is bad, because mama is not far away. Once the bear is on top of you, a handgun is easier to use in those close quarters. Makes me glad all I need to worry about is snakes, hogs, and coyotes. Well, skunks too, but they aren't deadly.