I used to do a lot of Hiking in the upper high areas of the San Francisco Penninsula in the mid 1960s. In 1964 I was 11, and till 17, and getting a Car, I often spent all day out in the undeveloped areas, where, some species of Big Cats lived.
There were tan or fawn or buff color ones, and also sort of lightish charcoal Black ones.
I never had any problems, they impressed me as very polite, sensitive, self-possed Creatures.
Sometimes one would secretively pace me to the side some ways...and, I'd find a point where we could make eye contact briefly, and I'd say, in a friendly humorous way, "I see you!"
Lol...
I'd come around a corner on a subtle Deer Trail, and one would be standing there...about to bolt, I'd avert my eyes, and say "Oh, pardon me...just passing..." and I'd go softly to the side, and usually he or she would sveltly leave to the other side, if they hadn't bolted off already....
They are fine with me...
People are usually stupid, insensitive, un-aware, and not well self-posessed.
So, as far as ontological validity...I s'pose my regard and respects tend naturally to favor the intelligence and manners and bearing of the wild Cats...
I undersatand they will prey on those whom they accessas as non-reproductively viable, diseased, feeble, or stupid.
This is the tacit agreement of 'Nature'...and infinitely less offensive than people's preying on one-another.
And personally, if I had a Score Card, it'd read -
Troubles, disappointments, impositions, insult, predation attempts, injury or other damage to me from large wild Cats - "Zero"
Troubles, disappointments, impositions, insult, predation attempts, injury or other damage to me from domesticated-primates - "Enough to feel satisfied with understanding the drift..."
Lol...
I hope the Cat eludes his enemies...
Phil
l v