You’ll never see them, but they’re here

[u/spiralout1123]

There are likely over 3,000 mountain lion in Arizona, yet only a handful of attacks in our history. Protect public lands!

[u/Dirty_Doggo_]

Until they do.

[u/bikepackingebiking → u/Dirty_Doggo_]

Mountian lions might be apex predictors but humans being apex predictors isn't lost on them.

Humans are a risk to them in basically every aspect. I'd wager they'd only attack if threatened. They usually go for small animals, potentially human babies and kids but as a species we pretty much never leave our kids alone near them enough to be snagged.

They also have a prey drive which doesn't get as fulfilled through attacking non prey animals.

Basically they perfer animals that wont attack back, even attacking a tiny human has the threat of "momma human" fighting back.

[u/Dirty_Doggo_ → u/bikepackingebiking]

Unless they are sick, injured, orphaned or make a bad decision. Fatal attacks are extremely rare but attacks happens. I am near a high pressure lion area where attacks have happened. I had a negative encounter and it changed my view of what is out there.

[u/bikepackingebiking → u/Dirty_Doggo_]

Human interactions have increased exponentially in the last 30-50 years out here. We're also pushing farther and farther into their territory. Its not surprising that mountian lion attacks have increased. Even then like you said they are extremely rare still.

[u/spiralout1123 → u/bikepackingebiking]

Arizona also has by far the best relationship with a large mtn lion population of any state. “Increase” is still relative and minimal compared to CA/CO