I live on the Red River of the north which runs from south of me to Winnipeg and lake Winnipeg some 200 miles north. Runs through some of the flattest ground on earth.
Go east or west from the river 20-30 miles and the elevation change is 150 to 250 feet. Yet from Fargo to Winnipeg is over 200 miles and less than 150 feet of fall. Averages around 6 inches per mile.
That river has some farmsteads along it but otherwise is sparsely settled with few improved roads. Lots of oak and Ash tree's and full of deer.
So yes there are probably mountain lions within 30 miles at times. But they don't come into town. And if I go out into the woods fishing I'm both careful, and packing.
I've had situations in my past where the hair on the back of your neck goes up. You KNOW something is looking at you and drooling, and your instincts scream "get the heck out of here, NOW"
Well I listened to those instincts, so I am still here.
But even in California I bet Mountain Lions kill fewer than Leopards in a similar sized chunk of Africa.