HikeArizona.COM

Seems like these occasional stories can all be compiled in a single thread.

https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/mountain-l ... -calabasas

Aug 26, 2021, approximately 10:45 a.m., a 65-lb. mountain lion attacked the boy in his front yard, inflicting wounds to his head, neck and upper torso. The boy’s mother fended off the lion by striking it multiple times. The boy’s parents transported him to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He remains in the hospital in stable condition.

Research seems to indicate that the attack was from a year-old cub birthed by a collared lion in an NPS study. The attacking cub was eliminated, while the mother (and presumably the other cub) were returned to the wild.

If you are unfamiliar with Calabasas, it is similar to parts of the Carefree/Cave Creek area with affluent residents and larger properties tucked up against mountains that are preserved from development.

Think tank says mountain lion hunting ban would cost Colorado millions annually while supporters call foul.
https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado ... ic-impact/

@TooOld2Hike_EP
That’s pretty wild, the story appears to imply it was on a leash when it happened too. And you can see the leash in the blurred photo as well. I imagine the lions just don’t have much to eat in those parts and continued urban sprawl into their already shrinking habitats does not help. It did say the lion snapped its neck pretty quickly, but pretty tragic for the pet owners, no doubt.

Very sad for the pet owner. Seems javelinas and coyotes attack dogs more in AZ than other wildlife do.

Dogs can be a magnet or a provocateur for large mammals including predators. Many bear attacks happen when a dog is present. Attacks that may not have happened otherwise. With mountain lions it would be different because they would consider a dog prey more than a threat. If the lion is hungry enough, humans in the mix isn't going to matter, especially if the human is solo.

outdoor_lover wrote:Many bear attacks happen when a dog is present.

Interesting, I almost always camp with a dog; large dogs in the past then Joseph and Rudy size dog. I have never had a bear in camp, while camp 'neighbors' did without dogs. So far the most destructive critters have been curious cattle.

I did once have a bear in camp, but Rudy and I were gone on a walk and it left when we returned.

Pivo wrote:So far the most destructive critters have been curious cattle.

Have you ever had your entire truck and every metal item in your camp including the coffee pot licked by a tweener bull?

@Alston_Neal
Had then, knock things over, eat spent coffee grounds in the fire ring, and of course poooooooop all over the campsite.

Alston_Neal wrote: ↑Aug 18 2024 12:25 pm Have you ever had your entire truck and every metal item in your camp including the coffee pot licked by a tweener bull?

I have! Woke up at 2 am to a cow licking the window 6" from my face. They licked everything in camp, including my canyoneering harness. That was the deal breaker, I went on the offense after that. Safety equipment is off limits.

@outdoor_lover
Was at Christopher Creek last year with a small (old, deaf, almost blind) King Charles Spaniel-type mutt. A cow came up from the creek early in the morning, wanting to graze near our tents.

The little dog bluff charged the big cow. Twice.

I guess she was trying to protect us. I can see how a predator could be triggered into a "fight" reaction.

Dan Ashe wrote:I’ve hunted practically as long as I can remember, pursuing small game, upland birds, waterfowl, and deer, elk and caribou. It’s been a lifelong passion, and helped shape my values as a career wildlife conservation professional in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/ ... al-allies/

For any of HAZ’s vast group of Colorado voters (sneakysquatch?) for whom the above opinion serves, here’s the relevant context which seems to have been assumed as it was otherwise unmentioned.

https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Propos ... ive_(2024)

@chumley
This is bigger than CO voters, it's about stewardship, ethics, and more. Was waiting for the Nordic Gatekeeper.

Meanwhile in Colorado. Man kills mountain lion with a shovel, when it approaches him and his dog at campground.

https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/ ... ampground/

@Pivo
Nope, AZ man killing mountain lion with a skillet still wins best improvised weapon smackdown.

@Alston_Neal
Nope, Australian man with a skillet chasing off a crocodile does it for me.

I used to regularly chase my mother-in-law off the property using a small perfume bottle, marked "Holy Water". That's gotta rank pretty high.

@Mountain_Rat
Dude, crocodiles, mountain lions and cracked out wolverines don't compare to MIL. WE bow before you.

Alston_Neal wrote:Dude, crocodiles, mountain lions and cracked out wolverines don't compare to MIL.

You forgot Cocaine Bear.

Got a call from school and had to walk my boy home from school the other day because of a mountain lion hanging by the school during the day. Probably the same one that killed a couple bambies in my yard.