A mountain lion attacked a woman in Northern California earlier this week. But the woman's beloved dog - a Belgian Malinois - saved the day by fighting back despite being outmatched by the huge cat.
Both the owner and the dog were severely injured after the incident. Luckily, they survived the experience.
Local officials have already learned about the mountain lion incident and are looking for the dangerous animal.
The episode also shows the possibility of increased wild animal assaults on humans in the state, indicating increasing human settlement.
Mountain Lion Attacks Belgian Malinois and Owner
n the afternoon of Monday, May 16, Erin Wilson, a 24-year-old resident of rural Trinity County in California, drove to the Trinity River in the unincorporated village of Big Bar to take a stroll with Eva, her two-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois dog.
The huge cat sprang into Wilson and clawed her shoulder and jacket out of nowhere.
According to Wilson (via The Sacramento Bee), she called Eva while striking the mountain lion hard.
The attack took place around four hours northwest of Sacramento.
Eva, who weighed 25 kilos (55 pounds) before surviving the encounter, was clearly controlled by the mountain lion, who bit the dog's head and locked it into it.
Wilson has also attacked the lion with her hands and threw pebbles and sticks, which she used to gouge the animal's eyes.
After a passing automobile driver intervened with a PVC pipe and battered the animal together with Wilson, the conflict ended when the mountain lion departed the scene.
Wilson was left with two skull fractures, a punctured sinus cavity, and serious damage to her left eye.
Meanwhile, her dog had convulsions on the way to the veterinarian but has now recovered.
Members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are said to have taken DNA samples from their wounds.
The officials have organized a trapping effort for the animal. It was unclear if the mountain lion would be killed or not after being apprehended.
Wilson expressed her gratitude for her dog after the incident by creating a GoFundMe campaign to gather money for Eva's vet bills.
In an update to the GoFundMe page (per Kron4), they said the remaining funds will be split between Eva's medical costs and a few charities, including Malinois rescue, large cat rescue, and predator management groups.
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Eva is doing quite well, according to the hiker (per People Magazine).
In fact, the dog "continues to improve," according to an Instagram post published on Eva's account on Wednesday.
About Mountain Lion
A cougar, catamount, panther, or puma is another name for a mountain lion (Puma concolor).
According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), they are a huge cat species and a mammal endemic to the Americas, spanning from the Canadian Yukon to the Strait of Magellan.
Mountain lions are stealthy predators that eat deer and other small animals, according to the NWF, making them a crucial element of the ecology.
Mountain lion assaults on humans are uncommon, according to the current occurrence.
The National Park Service (NPS) has said that such attacks are still a possibility.
Several deaths have been documented in North America in connection with deadly cougar attacks throughout the last century.
About Belgian Malinois
American Kennel Club said the intelligent, self-assured, and adaptable Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forms an enduring link with his human companion.
Belgian Malinois are herders who stand 22 to 26 inches tall, proud, and vigilant. This dog breed typically weighs 40-80 pounds, with male canines being larger than females of the same size.
Colors range from a deep fawn to dark mahogany. The dark ears and mask draw attention to the brilliant, inquisitive eyes that are the color of dark Belgian chocolate.
Daily Paws added that the Belgian Malinois is a high-energy herding breed that enjoys employing his brains and keen attention.
The Belgian Malinois is popular as among the working dogs for a reason. They are high-energy dogs with brilliant minds who demand a lot of physical and mental activity on a daily basis.
Belgian Malinois are also known as devoted and watchful dogs around people they care about.
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