[Porsche-O-Phile]

If it's a cougar or mountain lion, I doubt a handgun would do much good. Can't hurt, but typically those animals are extremely good at not being seen unless they're attacking. And if they're attacking, it's pretty much too late. Also worth noting (and you probably know this already if you live up there) that cougars & moutain lions do not "bluff charge" like bears will. If they attack, they're trying to kill you. You're in a fight to the death.

Either mountain lions or cougars typically won't bother you though - attacks on humans are very rare unless you look like easy prey (i.e. small children walking alone)