You need to carry a gun.
I don't own a gun, I live in a peaceful village and the village cops just laughed at me tonight when I whined about the bear.
I did take the extra few seconds to back the car into the drive so I was closer to the front door. I am a wuss. I was shaking....I have to get control - I am supposed to run to danger and help people....... (deep breath)
Friend of mine in griz country in Alaska keeps a .45 Winchester highwall rifle, one by each door for the times when Ol' Ephraim (as he calls them) gets frisky and his dogs get mighty nervous....