
Originally Posted by
Grey
Actually, I've heard that the reduction in wolves is partly to blame for the boldness of mountain lions and deer in suburban areas. It used to be those animals were familiar with wolves, and would steer clear of them. Since there are usually dogs living along with humans, they'd consider them to be wolves, too, and having learned that wolves are dangerous, they'd stay out of the area. But without wolves around to teach them to be afraid of dogs (most dogs aren't all that threatening on their own), suburbs seem like nice, safe, lightly wooded areas with lots of easily obtained food, whether you're a deer or a mountain lion.