Will do.
I live in a remote place and my job puts me in VERY remote places, so I always carry a buckknife with me. People laugh at that, thinking a gun would serve me better. But if (or when) I'm attacked by a lion, it will no doubt be from behind. In other words, it will be hand-to-hand combat of the bloodiest kind. I seriously believe a good knife will serve me better in such an encounter.
I hope I never find out though. You're right about those big cats. They just KNOW they're at the top of the food chain... LOL!
A strong walking stick might also be useful [ for snakes and ...]—unless the lion has the back of your neck.
A big knife also is useful for bears and two legged predators, too. Fighting like a crazy person works.
It is always a weight choice : that extra bottle of water versus the extra protection of a hand gun.
Your right about if ever attacked by a cougar it’ll be from behind.
Had an acquaintance who was bow hunting in ID, moving slow through medium forested country. He said he got a very eerie feeling and turned to find a cougar stalking him about 15 or so feet behind. It startled him so badly that when he turned he stumbled and fell backwards and the cat just watched, fortunately it didn’t attack. He was carrying a sidearm and drew and fired though didn’t hit it, the cat fled.
This guy is big, well over 6 feet with a heavy frame. He said he had no doubt that cat would have attacked had he not turned. He also said it scared the devil out of him.