Just the odds alone make any attack highly unlikely. I've had a few close encounters, one within just few feet. But none of those encounters was I being stalked, or were they acting aggressive toward me.... I just came across them, or they me. However...
the population is getting out of control... not a chance I'd let a small child, or even a young teen, roam unprotected.
I don't personally always have a gun on me, but when my grandson's wish to explore without me I make sure they are carrying. (they are well trained in firearms).
Best protection I think one can use is to make noise. It's not hard, even when we think we're being quiet we make a LOT more noise than animals do, unless they are rutting, and any animal will nearly always shy from noise. Backpackers here in the west often carry their pots and pans strung from their backpacks so they are always banging together while hiking.
Also simple awareness.... if you're paying attention you'll nearly always see them before they see you... or let me rephrase that, they may have seen you before you see them but they'll be giving way once they know you're coming. My encounters have almost all been due to me stalking... hunting, or more likely these days just trying to get close and observe. - JamesJM
