RE: Black bear defense??
I spend a lot of time hikeing and camping in the Adirondacks where I commonly see black bears. In 40 years I have not even once been menaced by a bear. With that said I do realize that I could have a dangerous encounter at any time and carry a little security in the way of a .357 mag.. I would have been much more concerned about the encounter with the "little kitty" you referred to.I believe that a mountain lion is much more dangerous than a black bear.