Georgetown, California – A tragic incident unfolded in El Dorado County on Saturday when a man lost his life and his brother was injured in a mountain lion attack while searching for deer antlers in a forested area. This devastating event marks the first fatal encounter with a mountain lion in California in two decades, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the attack at 1:13 p.m. by an 18-year-old who reported the harrowing incident involving his 21-year-old brother in a remote area of Georgetown. The younger brother sustained severe facial injuries and was separated from his sibling during the attack, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival, El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies and paramedics provided medical assistance to the 18-year-old victim and discovered the mountain lion near the deceased sibling. Law enforcement officers acted swiftly, firing shots to scare off the predator. Additional personnel from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and an El Dorado County trapper were called in to address the situation.
The mountain lion, which was found in close proximity to the attack, was swiftly neutralized by authorities for examination to determine the underlying cause of the aggression. Fortunately, the younger brother is expected to recover from his injuries, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy that unfolded.
Beth Pratt, a prominent figure leading the National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign, took to social media to highlight the rarity of such attacks. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, she emphasized the infrequency of mountain lion-related fatalities in the state, noting the statistical probability compared to other common causes of fatalities.
While mountain lions are prevalent in rural El Dorado County, they typically remain concealed during the daytime due to their nocturnal behavior. Authorities advise caution and vigilance, recommending against solo hiking and urging individuals to remain vigilant when in areas where human-mountain lion interactions are likely.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of coexisting safely with wildlife in shared habitats. Vigilance, awareness, and adherence to safety guidelines could help prevent similar unfortunate incidents in the future, fostering a harmonious balance between humans and wildlife in the region.