TRINITY COUNTY, Calif. – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating a possible mountain lion attack in Shasta Trinity National Forest.
It reportedly happened along Highway 299 near Whites Bar which is a picnic area near Big Bar.
A woman told wildlife officials she was walking along a path with her dog when a mountain lion swiped across her shoulder, injuring her. The woman’s dog reportedly “engaged” the mountain lion, which bit the dog’s head and wouldn’t let go until it was beaten with a PVC pipe with the help of a passerby.
It’s not known if the dog will survive.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Forest Service is reminding visitors of mountain lion safety tips: Don’t recreate alone, go in big groups and supervise kids, avoid dawn and dusk excursions, don’t run from a mountain lion as it may start a chase. Don’t crouch down or bend over a human standing doesn’t resemble any of a mountain lion’s natural prey. And if you do happen upon one, do all you can to appear larger, wave your arms slowly, and speak firmly in a loud voice. If attacked, fight back and try to remain standing.
More details about the incident can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
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