Glad you found a source to post this story. The local papers that originally printed this can’t be posted here and were very hesitant to say this gentleman was killed by a mountain lion.
The USFWS often says the same about wolves killing livestock.
Unless an official is present before, during, and after the attack...often the government refuses to make a determination. The defenders of the predators are pleased as the rancher gets no money for his losses.
The liberals can say that they offered restitution knowing that the money is not forthcoming.