Mountain lion attacks man near Elk River
A Moscow man reported that he was attacked by a mountain lion Saturday evening while camping near Elk River.
The man, who did not want to be identified, did not seek medical treatment. The incident occurred Saturday, July 11 at approximately 6 p.m. near the Elk Creek Falls trailhead southwest of Elk River.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game Conservation Officer Barry Cummings is investigating the incident.
The man told Cummings he was gathering firewood when the lion pounced on his back, knocking him to the ground. Both he and the lion then rolled down a hillside, coming to a stop on a log. During the struggle, the victim grabbed a knife and stabbed the mountain lion in the side, causing it to run into the timber.
The victim quickly returned to his campsite, and he and his girlfriend gathered their belongings and drove to his Moscow residence, where she contacted authorities at 9:30 p.m. The victim suffered minor scratches to the inside of one forearm and his stomach, and abrasions to his legs.
Early Sunday morning, the victim and Cummings returned to the scene with a local houndsmen with three tracking hounds. The area was searched from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. but efforts to pick up the lion’s scent were unsuccessful.
The incident remains under investigation.
“Although not many people in Idaho have ever seen a mountain lion, there’s always potential for an encounter,” says Jay Crenshaw, Idaho Fish and Game wildlife manager based in Lewiston. “Especially with all the people that live and recreate here.”
Though catching a rare glimpse of a mountain lion can be a heart-pumping experience, few injuries from mountain lions have been recorded in Idaho.
“Remember, mountain lion sightings are rare and attacks are even rarer. However, keeping yourself informed and prepared is the best way to avoid a confrontation,” says Crenshaw.
While there is no response to a mountain lion that can guarantee a person’s safety, Fish and Game offers the following suggestions that may help in avoiding a confrontation:
Do not run. Stay calm and keep eye contact. Move slowly and try to back away. Running away may trigger the animal’s instinct to chase you.
Remain in an upright position. Do not crouch down as mountain lions are more likely to go after shorter prey. Do what you can to appear large by raising and waving your arms or opening your jacket. Yell in a loud, firm voice.
Never turn your back on a mountain lion. Always maintain eye contact and face the lion. Convince the lion that you are not a deer, which is the lion’s chief prey.
When you walk or hike in lion country, go in groups and make enough noise to avoid surprising a lion. While lions are not likely to approach humans, they are even less likely to approach a more threatening larger group.
Keep children close and in sight at all times. Pick up small children if a lion is near.
Never approach a mountain lion. Give the lion a way out of a close situation.
If a lion behaves aggressively, arm yourself with a large stick, rock, or other object and face the lion. In the extreme case that a mountain lion attacks, remain standing and fight back with whatever object you have.
Pepper spray can be very effective in deterring a mountain lion and other carnivore attacks.
If you encounter a mountain lion demonstrating any unnatural behavior such as showing no concern or reaction to the presence of people, or acting aggressively towards people or pets, immediately notify Fish and Game or your local sheriff’s office.