© yourcentralvalley.comWeimeraner survives cougar attack
Before it could even register, the big cat had Sally's head in it's jaws and it's paws wrapped around the pooch's body. Fellow hiker Rick Lawin said he heard a "blood curdling screaming sound of an animal in its death throes." He ran up and started hitting the mountain lion with his hiking stick, to help out Sally and protect his fellow hikers. That worked, because the hungry animal dropped the dog and jumped into the trees. They estimate that the big cat must have weighed at least 120 pounds.
They got Sally back to the car and rushed her over to a vet in Fresno, who reports the weimie had claw and bite marks all over her chest and legs, with a huge wound on her head. Sally had numerous stitches and a drainage tube placed in her head.
The group was very lucky. Had it not been for that hiking stick, Sally may not have lived through the attack. According to Mountainlion.org, in previous big cat attacks, people have utilized rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, walking sticks, fanny packs and even bare hands to turn away the cats. They also did the right thing in slowly backing away from the cat. That's another of the recommendations listed right on the website, which also says you should make yourself seem as large as possible, open your jacket, yell, throw things, but don't turn away. Maintain eye contact and act like another predator.
They're also thankful they carried a cell phone to call ahead, a necessity any time you're communing with nature. A spare battery or portable charger is also recommended, and make sure it's charged. Sally will recover but won't be going on any hikes for several weeks; and the next time they go hiking, she'll remain leashed.
Source: yourcentralvalley.com
As the ongoing drought drives animals closer to where there are greater, and more food sources, these close encounters will increase and continue.
The urban protection these wild animals get from living close to civilisation emboldens them as well.
This attack took place not far from Yosemite National Park, another place where these animals are protected and become unafraid of human and pet contact; in fact at times possibly viewing both as possible food sources.
You need to be prepared for such possible encounters when you venture into the wild animals territory. At least a good stout long walking staff to fend off any unfriendly encounters. And you should travel/hike in small group, not alone.
Keep pets on leash, if you must take them along with you. Just remember it IS the wild forest, and WILD animals DO live there. BE SAFE..
Pravdaseeker