A mountain lion attack in El Dorado County, California, killed a 21-year-old man and injured his 18-year-old brother. This is California’s first fatal mountain lion attack since 2004, raising concerns about wildlife encounters.
The Attack
Two brothers were attacked by a mountain lion on Saturday while hunting for shed antlers near Georgetown. The younger brother called 911 around 1:13 p.m., reporting his injuries and separation from his brother.
Response and Discovery
Sheriff’s deputies from El Dorado County responded and found the younger brother first. They gave him medical aid and took him to a hospital. At about 1:46 p.m., they found the older brother dead with the mountain lion nearby. Deputies fired shots to scare the lion away.
Aftermath
The 21-year-old was declared dead at the scene. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and a local trapper later euthanized the mountain lion. Its body is under examination to find out why it attacked.
Historical Context
Mountain lion attacks are rare, with fewer than 50 reported in California since 1890. Only six have been fatal. The last fatal attack in El Dorado County was in 1994.
Safety and Wildlife
Authorities have issued safety tips for mountain lion encounters. These include giving the animal space, staying calm, making noise, appearing larger, and not crouching.
Moving Forward
The community is mourning and hoping for the younger brother’s recovery. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of wildlife encounters. Officials are investigating to understand what led to this rare attack.