Black bears can get pretty large, but that is mostly in pretty remote areas, isn't it?
I'm thinking it would be a great idea to ask a game or conservation specialist whether the critters in those areas are going to be within the moderate size level.
With the .357 you can carry a variety of loads to use on various forms of wildlife. It can handle anything from a Grouse to a Turkey and a Hare to a Hog. I've killed a lot of game with service/self defense type handguns. Hands down the .357 is better. If you run into dope dealers run like Hell while shooting over your shoulder.
