As per the KSLTV News report, a loyal Labrador retriever residing in Cedar Hills, Utah, exhibited great courage on July 19th when it confronted a mountain lion to protect its family. Though the dog suffered injuries, it managed to emerge victorious from the encounter.
Crystal Michaelis was spending time outdoors with her children and yellow Labrador, Ella, when the canine spotted a mountain lion. Although Michaelis didn’t see the predator herself, she was alerted by Ella’s strange behavior. The dog seemed to be keeping watch over the kids and scanning the area where the mountain lion was lurking. Thanks to Ella’s vigilance, Michaelis brought her children inside just in time. Upon returning to the patio door, however, they discovered that Ella had been severely injured in a fight with the mountain lion. The dog had sustained injuries to her head, face, legs, tongue, and neck, and her blood covered both Ella and the door and terrace of the home. Although the family wasn’t present during the attack, officials from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources found tracks leading to the area. They suspect that the mountain lion may have been distracted by goats in a nearby yard and accidentally ventured too close to the Michaelis’ residence.
Although it’s been a while since anyone has seen a mountain lion, the Utah DWR is warning people to stay alert and careful. Faith Jolley, a spokesperson for the DWR, explains that cougars usually follow deer because they rely on them as their main source of food. She also mentions that deer have been spotted in the same area.
As per Michaelis, Ella was bitten approximately 30 times, with the bites commencing from her shoulders and extending downwards. This suggests that she bravely defended herself during the attack. Fortunately, even though she suffered injuries, Ella is anticipated to make a full recovery. Watch the video below for further information regarding this incident.