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Cougar pounces on hunter

Hunters are particularly vulnerable to cougar attacks because they often use calls or scents that mimic game.Associated Press (FILE Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review
Hunters are particularly vulnerable to cougar attacks because they often use calls or scents that mimic game.Associated Press (FILE Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

KALISPELL — A hunter suffered cuts and scratches after being attacked by a mountain lion southeast of here Nov. 11, state wildlife officials said.

Warden Chuck Bartos of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the hunter, whose name was not released, left his car and headed down a trail, and later heard what sounded like the scream of a mountain lion.

A short time later, the hunter heard a growl and turned to see the lion 10 to 15 feet away. He dropped his rifle and hurried to get behind a tree, but the lion pounced on his back, knocking him into the tree, Bartos said in a news release.

The lion then lost its grip, and the hunter was able to reach another gun and fire a shot. The spooked lion ran away.

The man fired several more shots and then headed back down the trail. He encountered several other hunters who helped him to his vehicle.

The hunter then drove himself to Kalispell and went to the hospital, where he received five stitches for cuts the lion clawed on his leg, Bartos said. The hunter also was treated for scratches on his back and shoulder, and for a few puncture wounds to the back of his head.

Bartos said the hunter’s backpack was shredded and probably saved him from more serious injuries.

Wildlife conflict specialist Erik Wenum said the incident marks the first time in years that a lion attack resulting in injury has been documented in northwestern Montana.

“Given the number of people who recreate in the forests of northwest Montana, and the number of lions, there’s always lots of potential for an encounter,” added Jim Williams, FWP wildlife manager. “But even considering this potential, documented attacks are extremely rare.”

The chances of a mountain lion encounter increase during hunting season because hunters use calls and other methods to attract deer, Wenum said. Hunters using these techniques should be especially vigilant because a lion could easily be drawn in search of prey, he said.

Providing food to deer can concentrate the animals, attracting mountain lions and creating a dangerous situation for people, he said.