There is some big cat in that area but it will baited and shot soon enough if it causes problems.
I just moved to town but after living in Nicolsen for almost 2 years I never had a problem with animal when out riding.We have a animal control tools ( boomboom) but I never have had to use it.We can pack guns ,but we need our CORE and FAC with us and the guns secured to the bikes in a proper fashion so we comply with the law.Another option is back pack shotguns(survival pack guns) that are put away and only used in emergency.We have a 22/410 but it is full length.When I get my core course I want to get a gun sleeve so I can pack it easyer when out bush riding.

Nither here or there we should still go out riding as soon as we can...hell we don't know when it will snow more