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While I agree that mountain lion populations are most certainly increasing, I think that a doubling of the mountain lion population would be a fairly unusual event. Human populations have been climbing faster in the past century than at any time in human history, but doublings of human population still take decades to occur.

However, given a doubling of mountain lion population in CA, one would still be looking at 3-4 attacks per year, still a pretty negligible number for a human population of 37 million.

I am willing to state, though, that not one of those 3 or 4 people would be happy about their fate. It would be terrifying and horrific for them. Yet, they are still quite likely to survive the experience and be able to tell their tale.


Since the 1970's, California's lion population has increased by about a factor of 10.

The frequency of lion attacks compared to other hazards is low, but that does not change the statistics. As the lion and human populations continue to increase in areas where the species will mingle, the frequency of attacks will likewise increase.