Not just because of whatever four legged animals that you might cross paths with, but also for some of the two legged kind that think they can get away with whatever because there's no one around to witness anything.
Always.... for just that reason... however... in many areas predators... wolves, and cougars, are coming closer and closer to areas that have not seen them for years... and right into populated areas... I no longer take my granddaughters for walks without being armed... a cougar has been sighted within 100 yds of their house... and wolves are now coming within a mile... we have never been bothered by coyotes on walks as they will run away... wolves and cougars will not if they are actively hunting... and both wolves and cougars are almost always hungry... children will be killed by them if they are allowed to continue to multiply and remain close to populated areas without being driven off forcefully
If it makes you feel safer, I suppose. In all honesty though, if you're hiking in woods where that's a legitimate concern, maybe those aren't the woods to be hiking in. I've gone on plenty of hikes in different places and never felt concerned for my safety.
Damn right! I'll be damned if my asss would be walking through the damn woods without some "heat"! I know that much! Sheeeiiiiiitttttt. That seems common sense to me! I'd have me something that would change a biches mind or make a damn wild animal leave me the helllll alone. Sheeeeiiiiiitttttttt.