On the flip side, I've spent almost 25 years actively hunting in the mountains of Colorado. In areas with known lion populations. I've seen tracks many times, and probably been watched by the big cats many times. But I've only actually seen one once. Cats are one of the most elusive critters out there. Not to worry though - unless you are small in stature and make a habit of walking under rock overcroppings (they almost always attack from above) you are pretty safe, even at night. The exception to this is in places where they've lost they're natural fear of humans for one reason or another - I don't think that has happened in the AZ desert yet. I actually like that there is a chance they may be there, as long as they don't start to become habituated so the local wildlife officers feel a need to deal with them. That is always to the detriment of the animal. Having a large predator around makes me feel more "alive". I know, I'm very un American and weird that way!
