General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Of bears and men: How big does a risk have to be before you "have to" walk around scared? [View all]Straw Man
(6,655 posts)... to point out that New Hampshire doesn't have any brown bears -- only black bears, the wimpy cousins of the bear family. But, as has been pointed out, stray or feral dogs can be a real threat, and so can humans.
I don't advocate shooting first and asking questions later, but using any method of force, up to and including lethal force, is justified, IMO, when a real threat presents itself. If you are approached in a threatening manner, that's when the air horn, bear spray, or firearm can come into play. There's no reason for a stranger you encounter in the woods to approach you uninvited, and if someone gets too close -- 15 feet is what self-defense classes teach as a safe distance -- a loud warning should be followed with action commensurate with maintaining your own safety and security.