Overpopulation and under-hunting to keep them in fear of humans are the actual reasons.
Since WA/OR/CA did away with dog assisted hunting of big cats, the population has exploded, driving the younger cats closer to human habitation. They have no fear of humans anymore.
Groups of humans accompanied by baying hounds tended to instill fear and avoidance of all humans in them.
I think it was on the series, “Mountain Men” some fellas with dog packs made a living chasing big cats for miles back into high country. Those are some brave hound dogs!