dangers...........
The animals are the last thing I would be afraid of. I am usually by myself or with my Blue Heeler dog. I carry a pistol when I am out in the woods detecting but it is mostly for bad people. The pistol I carry is an over/under derringer in .38 special. The first shot is snake shot and the second in solid lead. I have never had to pull it from the holster (except to dispatch a cotton mouth in my trail) but I feel more safe just knowing it's there. I started carrying a pistol when I was detecting in a pasture next to a Texas prison farm. Many times I could see the prisoners in their white jumpsuits working along the fence line. If they decided they wanted to take a drive in my truck, at least they would have a tougher time taking me down. I also have a concealed weapon license so it is pretty much legal for me to haul handguns around.
Anyway, I use the type of head phones that fit in the ear, not over. That way I can hear what is going on around me. As far as animals go, they will run from you before you ever see them, as a rule. Bobcats are very hard to find even if you want to see them.
In short, be concerned about the human animals out there, nature will not come after you.......oh wait, I forgot the Africanized bees!!
Later,
Chris