Anyone responding to a "wild animal at large" situation would be seriously undergunned if only armed with a handgun, IMHO.

Exiting the vehicle with a loaded 12ga and 00buck would be the minimum.

Around these parts several years ago, a neighbor was called to help "get a pig" out of the garden. Father and son (just back from sandbox) exited the pickup and saw a 1000 lb+ wild hog at about 20'. Father had the only gun (deer rifle), and was on crutches, and not moving well. Hog was on father's side of the truck. Luckily the hog didn't charge, and the rifle did its job.

Doubtful a handgun would have ended the situation as well.