A group of 10 rafters helped repel the animals while the rest of the group, including the victims, fled, officials said.

A mountain lion attack in a remote area of ​​the White Mountain Apache Reservation has prompted warnings from Arizona officials.

according to news release A 64-year-old man from Gila County Animal Care & Control was attacked by a mountain lion on March 16 while rafting in a “particularly remote area” about 20 miles downstream from the Salt River Bridge.

Ten other rafters used paddles to repel the lions, who were eventually contained while the group escaped on rafts.

According to program manager JC Castaneda, the victim of the attack is said to be making a good recovery, but said the effects of the incident were “extremely painful.” The man lives in New Mexico.

Related:5-year-old California boy survives mountain lion attack: ‘His spirit is intact’

According to the release, the attack has increased the presence of Gila County Animal Control and Management Officers, San Carlos Game and Fish, White Mountain Apaches, and Arizona Game and Fish in the area.

The White Mountain Apache Tribe also sent a group of USDA hunters with hounds to track down the lion, but as of earlier this week it has not been found.

Related:Mountain lion attacks man relaxing with wife in hot tub in Colorado

according to Mountain Lion Foundationattacks on humans are rare, but the organization advises people to be careful when stepping into areas where they may be present.

“Avoid walking alone between dusk and dawn, when lions are most active,” they explain on their website. “Keep children and pets nearby. Do not approach or hunt a mountain lion (or any wild animal). If you encounter a mountain lion, stop. Contrary to advice, act cowardly or pretend to be dead in front of the cat.”

Related Video: Lions at the Denver Zoo run through two feet of snow left by a storm in Colorado

In a news release, Castaneda emphasized avoiding wildlife encounters. I advised you to

For more People news, visit Sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article at people.