Aug 26, 2021, approximately 10:45 a.m., a 65-lb. mountain lion attacked the boy in his front yard, inflicting wounds to his head, neck and upper torso. The boy’s mother fended off the lion by striking it multiple times. The boy’s parents transported him to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He remains in the hospital in stable condition.
Research seems to indicate that the attack was from a year-old cub birthed by a collared lion in an NPS study. The attacking cub was eliminated, while the mother (and presumably the other cub) were returned to the wild.
If you are unfamiliar with Calabasas, it is similar to parts of the Carefree/Cave Creek area with affluent residents and larger properties tucked up against mountains that are preserved from development.
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
@TooOld2Hike_EP
That’s pretty wild, the story appears to imply it was on a leash when it happened too. And you can see the leash in the blurred photo as well. I imagine the lions just don’t have much to eat in those parts and continued urban sprawl into their already shrinking habitats does not help. It did say the lion snapped its neck pretty quickly, but pretty tragic for the pet owners, no doubt.
Dogs can be a magnet or a provocateur for large mammals including predators. Many bear attacks happen when a dog is present. Attacks that may not have happened otherwise. With mountain lions it would be different because they would consider a dog prey more than a threat. If the lion is hungry enough, humans in the mix isn't going to matter, especially if the human is solo.
Lifeis not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming,"Wow What a Ride!"
outdoor_lover wrote:Many bear attacks happen when a dog is present.
Interesting, I almost always camp with a dog; large dogs in the past then Joseph and Rudy size dog. I have never had a bear in camp, while camp 'neighbors' did without dogs. So far the most destructive critters have been curious cattle.
I did once have a bear in camp, but Rudy and I were gone on a walk and it left when we returned.
Alston_Neal wrote: ↑Aug 18 2024 12:25 pm
Have you ever had your entire truck and every metal item in your camp including the coffee pot licked by a tweener bull?
I have! Woke up at 2 am to a cow licking the window 6" from my face. They licked everything in camp, including my canyoneering harness. That was the deal breaker, I went on the offense after that. Safety equipment is off limits.
Lifeis not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming,"Wow What a Ride!"
@outdoor_lover
Was at Christopher Creek last year with a small (old, deaf, almost blind) King Charles Spaniel-type mutt. A cow came up from the creek early in the morning, wanting to graze near our tents.
The little dog bluff charged the big cow. Twice.
I guess she was trying to protect us. I can see how a predator could be triggered into a "fight" reaction.
Dan Ashe wrote:I’ve hunted practically as long as I can remember, pursuing small game, upland birds, waterfowl, and deer, elk and caribou. It’s been a lifelong passion, and helped shape my values as a career wildlife conservation professional in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For any of HAZ’s vast group of Colorado voters (sneakysquatch?) for whom the above opinion serves, here’s the relevant context which seems to have been assumed as it was otherwise unmentioned.
Got a call from school and had to walk my boy home from school the other day because of a mountain lion hanging by the school during the day. Probably the same one that killed a couple bambies in my yard.
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