Gentlemen,
Rest assured, with a 44 Mag, with the proper ammo, Yea though I walk the valley of the Shadow of Death, I fear no evil.
For my 44 Mag is at my side. Its heavy hard cast bullets comfort me, all the days of my life.

A properly handled 44 Mag, with the proper ammo, with proper shot placement Will IMMEDIATELY KILL any land animal on the Planet.

THE ONLY shot that will stop an animal for sure is a brain hit or maybe a upper CNS hit.

With a 44 Mag and proper ammo at least you have a chance.
[Or any other suitable handgun/ammo combo]
WITHOUT IT YOU ARE FOOD.

If you do not want to carry one/train your self in its proper use under stress, that is your choice, if so,
buy yourself a shirt that says I AM AN OSTRICH.
And when faced by a dangerous animal stick your head in the dirt.

I have shot a few dangerous animals up close, in the head, with the right gun/bullet, it works [so far] every time for me.

One day I might be killed by a dangerous animal, but it WILL be after I have busted a few caps... for sure.