Man Killed in First Deadly Cougar Attack in California in 20 Years
A 21-year-old man was killed and his 18-year-old brother was injured in a horrific cougar attack in Northern California on Saturday afternoon, marking the first deadly mountain lion attack in the state in nearly two decades.
The brothers were hunting for deer antlers in Georgetown, CA near the El Dorado National Forest about 50 miles northeast of Sacramento when the attack occurred, according to ABC News. The brother who survived placed a 911 call around 1:13 p.m., telling dispatchers that he and his sibling had been attacked and separated.
Deputies with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office arrived with paramedics about 20 minutes later, locating the teenager and administering medical care. However, when additional deputies were sent to look for the 21-year-old brother they found him lying motionless on the ground with the cougar guarding the body. The deputies discharged their firearms in an attempt to scare the apex predator off, but the man was dead by the time responders reached him.
The mountain lion was later tracked down by game wardens with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and an El Dorado County trapper, who killed the animal and were able to confirm that it was the same one who attacked the brothers.
"CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Laboratory determined today that DNA samples collected from the scene match samples taken from the lion carcass," the agency said in a press release. "The male mountain lion weighed approximately 90 pounds and appeared to be in healthy condition."
Following the mountain lion attack today, Sat., March 23, 2024, in Georgetown, California, a mountain lion was euthanized near the scene of the attack. The mountain lion has been sent to the CDFW forensics laboratory to obtain DNA information and general health of the lion.
— California Department of Fish and Wildlife (@CaliforniaDFW) March 24, 2024
"First and foremost, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," added CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham.
There is still no word on the condition of the 18-year-old, who was said to have suffered "traumatic injuries to the face" and remains hospitalized.
The last time a human was killed by a cougar attack in California was back in January 2004, when a 35-year-old cyclist was killed on an Orange County trail. It's also been nearly three decades since a fatal attack occurred in El Dorado County, when a 40-year-old woman was attacked in the Auburn State Recreation Area.
The incident over the weekend marks the second time a cougar attack has made nationwide headlines this year. Last month, a 60-year-old female cyclist survived a 15-minute, grueling attack on a trail near Seattle, WA, thanks to the quick thinking of the four other cyclists she was riding with. The four women were eventually able to fend off the animal to save their friend and pin it down with one of their bikes until authorities arrived on the scene.
"All these ladies came up with superhuman strength," said the victim, Keri Bergere. "They’re teeny ladies, and I know that the Fish and Wildlife shot the final shot to kill it. But these ladies killed that cougar with their bare hands and no weapons. I’m eternally grateful to each one of them."
