California Mom saves 5 yr old son from moutain lion attack w/bare hands

[timjake]

"A Los Angeles-area woman fought off a 65-pound mountain lion that was attacking her 5-year-old son on Thursday using her bare hands, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The animal attacked the boy while he was in his family's front yard in Calabasas, leaving him with injuries to his head, neck and chest, the department said Saturday.

The mountain lion "dragged him about 45 yards" across the front lawn, said Capt. Patrick Foy, a spokesman for the department. "

California mom saves son, 5, from mountain lion attack using her '''bare hands''' | Fox News


A wildlife officer was sent to investigate, encountered a mountain lion near the scene displaying behaviors that made the officer believe it was the attacker. The officer then killed the animal. DNA testing proved it was in fact the attacker.

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In my mind, those ingrained motherly instincts kicked in and she did what she had to to save her child.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I would wager that every member here who found themselves unarmed in that same situation would wade right in.

 

[Onomea]

Moms rock!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

How did they get DNA back quicker than it takes in reality? This happened Thursday? Today is Sunday, (state jobs take Saturday & Sunday off!) Results couldn't be back before tomorrow! This Mt Lion took priority over hundreds of rape and murder cases?

I think the guy had the right instinct and shot the first Mt Lion that matched the BOLO! Good job Mr. Ranger!

Ivan

 

[mtgianni]

It is easier to report a DNA match than to state " upon going through the stomach and intestines, we found particles of cloth that matched what the child was wearing". LA might not have people wanting to hear that graphic of an image.

 

[444 Magnum]

We were camping at Glacier National Park in Montana. That weekend I saw black bears and a buck in velvet walked into our campsite. Also, a mountain lion was seen stalking a young boy and the parked rangers, when called, dispatched it on the spot. Turns out, it was a older lion that had lost most of its teeth and could no longer hunt effectively.
In Red Lodge, Montana, we visited a small zoo that featured local wildlife. A young adult mountain lion fixated on my youngest son (around 3 years old) and charged the side of the cage directly at my son. If the wire fence had not been there, I shutter to think what would have happened.

 

[Chukar60]

My hat is off to the mother. I would hesitate to wrestle a 6.5# cat let alone a 65# one.
I am sure maternal instinct overrode inhibitions, but still one brave lady.

 

[Mule Packer]

Yep. Definitely a brave lady. Having lived in the more remote parts of northern California for 30 years, we had mountain lions in our neighborhood killing livestock and even family pets. Many efforts have been made by the folks living in those remote areas to persuade state officials to allow the mountain lion to be hunted. But...no. Because the voters in the major metropolitan areas want the cougar protected, there has been a moratorium on felis concolor since 1990. Sadly, I'm afraid that moratorium will remain in place until some lawmaker's child is attacked.

 

[brucev]

Glad that the mother was able to save her child. Any word on how he is doing? Sincerely. bruce.

 

[BC38]

They may be "the weaker sex" but don't mess with the young-uns unless you are ready to take on mamma.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have a Revolve in .45 Colt with the engraving
"Be not afraid of any man or beast no matter what it's size.
Just call on me and I will Equalize."

 

[chief38]

WOW - I'm impressed! I guess when the adrenaline kicks in "super powers" can be the result. Good for her and her son!!

 

[Doug M.]

A 65 pound mountain lion is likely very young or very sick.

No cougar comments will be made.

 

[mmb617]

While not huge a 65 lb mountain lion would certainly be a formidable opponent for any adult. The claws are just as dangerous as the teeth. But I think most mom's would take one on to save their child. I'm certain my wife would have charged a grizzly bear if it were attacking our son. The mom is going to save the child or die trying.

 

[Rustyt1953]

While not huge a 65 lb mountain lion would certainly be a formidable opponent for any adult. The claws are just as dangerous as the teeth.

So true. When I was in HS we had an old Siamese cat that was about 15 pounds and was becoming very aggressive and we stayed out of his way.

One day he suddenly attacked mom. He bit her hand, wrapped his front claws around her wrist and proceeded to shred her forearm with his back claws. He did a lot of damage in a short period of time and mom required many stitches.

I can't imagine what an angry 65 pounder could do.

 

[duman444]

Cat then dispatched?

So true. When I was in HS we had an old Siamese cat that was about 15 pounds and was becoming very aggressive and we stayed out of his way.

One day he suddenly attacked mom. He bit her hand, wrapped his front claws around her wrist and proceeded to shred her forearm with his back claws. He did a lot of damage in a short period of time and mom required many stitches.

I can't imagine what an angry 65 pounder could do.

Rusty, can you please finish the story, what happened to the Siamese?

 

[Rustyt1953]

Rusty, can you please finish the story, what happened to the Siamese?

Dad jumped the back porch railing, pulled the cat off her, wrapped and tied his shirt around her arm and rushed her to the hospital. Before he left he told me, my sister and brother not to touch the cat.

When they returned several hours later dad got mom settled into a recliner and said to us: "stay with your mother...I'll be right back."

After a few minutes we heard the car start and dad peeled out.

We never saw the cat again and we didn't ask about it.

 

[444 Magnum]

A 65 pound mountain lion is likely very young or very sick.]

The USDA website says adult male cougars average 130-150 lbs, while female cougars average 65-90 lbs. Quite a size difference. I was unaware of this.
Still, I am in awe of the agility, speed, and ferocity of a house cat...let alone that multiplied many times.

 

[Tom S.]

Bear hands! She needed BEAR hands!

 

[sigp220.45]

One of my Blackfeet Tribal Police buddies was on a "poker ride" with his extended family. Apparently it involves riding horses to specific spots and collecting playing cards which then somehow make a poker hand and then a winner is determined. The Blackfeet rez is in northern Montana and this ride was in a pretty wild part of the rez.

At one point a mountain lion snatched a six year old kid from the back of the trailing horse. There was a consderable uproar, and the cat dropped the mostly unharmed kid and took refuge in a nearby tree.

My buddy showed up, drew his trusty tribal 5906, and shot the cat in the face with a single FBI-issued (me-provided) 147 grain +P+ Hydra Shok. AMK (Adios Mister Kitty).