The standard line of the anti-hunting econuts is that the only reason for increased attacks on humans and pets by cougars (and coyotes and bears) is that we are expanding into their territory. The fact is any preditor will expand it’s range until it is either killed off by other preditors (humans), or has insufficent food and water to support itself. Coyotes, used to be only in the southwest, are now nationwide. Black bears and cougars are moving into populated areas where they had been eliminated for decades due to huning bans (eg. bears in New Jersey, cougars in CA). Hunting (optimally with dogs) both reduces numbers and creates a healthy (for both the animals and humans) fear of humans and dogs in the critters.
PETA anti-hunting, eco nuts are everywhere.
They offer up every lame excuse...