I volunteer as an "open space patroller" for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy which controls 45K+ acres of wildlands here in Orange County, CA (always wanted to be in the Space Patrol....). Our naturalists set cameras by watering spots in the mountainous areas of eastern OC and regularly catch cougars on film (also LOTS of bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, etc). One spectacular shot shows mama lion with 3 nearly mature "kittens"--she must have been one busy and VERY fierce lady to get three kits that far along!
In any of the OC wildlands, hikers and volunteers are not allowed to go alone, and are instructed in how to avoid an attack. Unfortunately, firearms are not allowed in most of these areas; I would feel much better served by my GP-100 than a whistle and a staff. Fortunately, there have been very few incidents. Now the deer have a predator that ISN'T a Volvo or a Peterbuilt!
I for one welcome lions back, but there will come a time when they too need to be trimmed. I hope no one has to get killed or maimed to make that point.
