Hey everyone, thanks for the quick reassurances. It's good to hear that the dangerous game in the mountains are not too much to worry about. In fact, while reading some of your replies I recalled a strange/funny statistic about Colorado: more people have been eaten by other people than by mountain lions.

With regard to TXhunter, I definitely will not have a salt block anywhere near by. The block in the picture is right outside the living room window--my mom and sisters enjoy watching the deer and elk come close to the house, though they're not too thrilled that I will taking out one of their "mountain friends." (They wouldn't mind if I shot that bear, though.)

As for Genesis, I'll have my buck knife with me but I'll probably leave the bear mace at home--unless I am hiking and cannot carry a gun. If the wind changes, it has always seemed to more of a liability than a savior in the woods.

Thanks again for all of your input! I'll be sure to put it to good use.

Brasky