Mountain Lion Attack Leaves Man Dead and Brother Injured in California
Since 1890, there have been fewer than 50 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California, and of those, only six have been fatal, officials said.
Mountain Lion Attack in California Claims a Life and Injures Another
In a rare incident, a mountain lion attacked and killed a man while also injuring his brother in a remote area of Northern California. The tragic event took place in Georgetown, California, approximately 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office provided details about the incident.
The attack occurred on Saturday when the two brothers, aged 18 and 21, were in the area. The younger brother made a distress call to 911, reporting that they had been attacked and separated. According to the statement released by the Sheriff's Office, the caller suffered traumatic injuries to his face during the encounter.
Deputies and paramedics promptly arrived at the scene and provided assistance to the younger brother. During the search, they discovered the mountain lion near the older brother, positioned between the deputies and the injured man. In order to safely approach and aid the older brother, deputies fired shots to scare off the animal. Tragically, the older brother did not survive the attack.
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, but the surviving brother has undergone multiple surgeries for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Sgt. Kyle Parker of the Sheriff's Office, citing a family spokesperson, provided this information.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with a trapper for El Dorado County, assisted in locating the mountain lion. The animal was euthanized near the attack site. Its remains were sent to a forensics laboratory for DNA testing and to assess its overall health.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare, with fewer than 50 verified incidents in California since 1890, resulting in only six fatalities. The last fatal encounter with a mountain lion in California occurred in 2004 in Orange County. The department emphasized that most attacks happen when individuals are alone.
The mountain lion, known by various names such as puma, cougar, panther, and more, inhabits diverse habitats across California, including the temperate redwood forest, foothills, and mountains.
Johnny Diaz, a general assignment reporter covering breaking news, provided this report. He has previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe.
In a rare incident, a mountain lion attacked and killed a man while also injuring his brother in a remote area of Northern California. The tragic event took place in Georgetown, California, approximately 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office provided details about the incident.
The attack occurred on Saturday when the two brothers, aged 18 and 21, were in the area. The younger brother made a distress call to 911, reporting that they had been attacked and separated. According to the statement released by the Sheriff's Office, the caller suffered traumatic injuries to his face during the encounter.
Deputies and paramedics promptly arrived at the scene and provided assistance to the younger brother. During the search, they discovered the mountain lion near the older brother, positioned between the deputies and the injured man. In order to safely approach and aid the older brother, deputies fired shots to scare off the animal. Tragically, the older brother did not survive the attack.
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, but the surviving brother has undergone multiple surgeries for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Sgt. Kyle Parker of the Sheriff's Office, citing a family spokesperson, provided this information.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with a trapper for El Dorado County, assisted in locating the mountain lion. The animal was euthanized near the attack site. Its remains were sent to a forensics laboratory for DNA testing and to assess its overall health.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare, with fewer than 50 verified incidents in California since 1890, resulting in only six fatalities. The last fatal encounter with a mountain lion in California occurred in 2004 in Orange County. The department emphasized that most attacks happen when individuals are alone.
The mountain lion, known by various names such as puma, cougar, panther, and more, inhabits diverse habitats across California, including the temperate redwood forest, foothills, and mountains.
Johnny Diaz, a general assignment reporter covering breaking news, provided this report. He has previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe.