arizona news
Has been updated: March 20, 2023 at 3:47 PM
(National Park Service photo)
PHOENIX — A 64-year-old man on a rafting trip was attacked by a mountain lion while camping on the banks of the Salt River, Gila County officials said.
According to one person, a group of 10 rafters attempted to fend off a large cat with a paddle last Thursday, but were safely reached by raft. press release.
The Gila County Animal Control Officer, San Carlos Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona Game and Fish, has stepped up surveillance of the area to find the cats.
Victims involved in the attack are fine but still in pain, Gila County officials said in an email.
The White Mountain Apache tribe sent a group of USDA hunters with hounds to track the mountain lion’s tracks, but officials say the cat has yet to be found.
Mountain lion attacks are rare because cougars primarily avoid developed areas, according to AZGFD.
For example, since 2000, there have been only 13 attacks in California, one of which was fatal.
However, male cats can grow up to 150 pounds and have the ability to hurt or kill people.
AZGFD advises staying away from mountain lions as they usually avoid confrontation.
During an encounter, the division instructs people to face the animal, speak louder, appear larger, slowly retreat, and fight back rather than run if attacked.
Attacks and sightings in urban areas may be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Dispatch at 623-236-7201.
