If you have a weapon (pepper spray, knife, hiking pole),
Yeah ... that individual has a rather stunted idea of 'weapons'.
Right! Who would want to allow a predator close enough that you’re attacking it with stones, knives, hiking poles, pepper spray?? Sounds like a (not-so) comic skit.
Alyssa showed great presence of mind, not hesitating under great duress to get off a good shot.