Glenn Reynolds (who has repeatedly complained that he doesn't want to be prey), has today linked to Ann Althouse (also a spoilsport where it comes to "re-wilding" America by introducing predatory animals). Here's the "huge issue":

"Obviously, gaining public acceptance is going to be a huge issue, especially when you talk about reintroducing predators," said lead author Josh Donlan, of Cornell University. "There are going to have to be some major attitude shifts. That includes realising predation is a natural role, and that people are going to have to take precautions."

The "attitide shifts" involve more than merely taking precautions. Donlan, the scientist who's proposing this, has obviously done a little market research into this delicate matter:

Donlan concedes that lions would be a tough sell to Americans.

"Lions eat people," he said. "There has to be a pretty serious attitude shift on how you view predators."

Rather, I think he's talking about how we view ourselves. Most Americans aren't accustomed to seeing themselves as prey -- as being part of the food chain. I think that's the tough sell.

Some sort of educational campaign is needed.

"Join the food chain!" might sound a bit insensitive at first, but if the benefits are explained carefully, people might get used to the idea. There's already an environmentally friendly death movement, and people are warming to the idea of being naturally eaten after death. As one future thinker opined:

To me, the idea that I could become worm food is an honor.

New ideas take time.