They didn't approach from the front, according to the news. They sneak up behind and jump up and clamp down on the back of the meal's neck. It would be impossible to bring your sidearm into play after that.
This is correct. Often nobody will know what hit them. A chest rig is still adviseable. There are still several instances where the victim knew they were being stalked for quite some time. Yelling, throwing rocks, swinging a stick is not always effective. What has always impressed me, is how weak humans are physically compared to even small animals if they are determined. Ever see what a goose can do? Even smaller birds.
I was dive bombed repeatedly by a certain species of bird when hiking out of a desert area in Utah for about a mile. I don’t think I was in particular danger, but it wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t leave me alone.
My favorite bit of “journalism”, you mentioned the mountain lion attacks on joggers in California. I remember reading one article that included the phrase “Authorities are still searching for a motive.”
We know that.
Swivel heads and flashlights.