>> ... if the mountain lions causing problems around Boulder, CO were thinned it would help instill the fear of man in the remaining ones.
No, “thinning” would not do it. Here’s what would - preschool. “Mr. Kitty, the lesson for today is STFAFH” (Stay the F**k away from Humans).
1/ Capture Mr. Kitty with muscle immobilizing dart. Do NOT tranquilize.
2/ Traumatize: Yell, beat with boards and tire irons, fire pistols, sear skin with blowtorches, display Sierra Club photos, etc. Broken ribs are an added plus - they are a gift that keeps on giving. (I know.)
3/ Truck Mr. Kitty up into the hills; unceremoniously dump him off. Hope that he doesn’t return.
4/ If he returns, he is shot on sight. The carcass is dragged to an isolated spot. After a quick autopsy, all members present urinate and defecate on the remains and depart. Message to other cats: beware; the two-legged animal is the top predator.
I hear you! Of course it would give the AR activists coronaries. :)