It doesn't even need to be a large animal or a pack of smaller ones.
I've had players searching a home run into a dog (typically some relatively benign breed like a poodle or corgi) eating its now-deceased former owner - and that pup is now none-too-pleased to be interrupted at mealtime. The dichotomy of a small dog suddenly launching itself with extreme violence at a PC, resulting in the need to shoot poor little Muffy...
Somebody that the PCs are either trying to avoid or surprise is going to hear the gunshot.
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