I think the reason is that very few people have ever run into a lion in the wild. I think one encounter would probably change the a lot of people's mind in that regard.
Considering what a pitbull can do to a human being, imagine what 750 lbs of pure muscle and teeth will do?
Mom had mountain lions rescued as cubs. When I was 20-something, and much more badass than now 😅, I decided to fight Tasha on the living room floor.
That 90lb., declawed girl opened a 55-gallon drum of whoop ass on me. I'd tell you about, but I didn't see it. All I got was a tawny blur and I was on my back getting my hat forcibly removed, along with a healthy hank of long hair. (She hated men's hats, no one ever found out why. Not men. Just men's hats on a man's head.)
I no longer have any illusions about fighting a rabid 'possum.