Even here in Alaska, .22LR is most popular and practical for small game up to and including our Sitka black tails. For the things you need a gun for where I live, harvesting wild meat or bear protection, a 9 is next to useless.
Granted, If you are shooting at something other than food, but smaller than a bear...
I can imagine that your accuracy would have to be absolutely perfect if using a 9 against a bear. And even with perfect accuracy, that must be just about the biggest crap-shoot there is. Just flat-out LUCK would have to be a huge factor, I'd think.
I've always wondered what a person would (or should) do if caught in such a situation, and had nothing else on hand?
What sidearm do you prefer?