For me a self defense handgun means short barrel and high capacity. The short barrel will make it easier to remove from the holster quickly, less weight, and easier to use if the fight gets way too close for comfort.

If you are talking blackies, wolves and mt lions I would feel perfectly comfortable with a Glock, Ruger, or something like that (magazine feed) in the .40 cal range. If you are putting Grizzlys on the table then the game changes a bit.

If you want to use the gun for hunting as well then my suggestion wouldn't be the way to go.