Beware the Wilderness: A Colorado Couple’s Unanticipated Hot Tub Encounter with a Mountain Lion
The Unsettling Incident
In the secluded Chaffee County of Colorado, an unsuspecting couple’s tranquil soak in a hot tub quickly morphed into a harrowing experience. On the fateful evening of March 18th, as the pair luxuriated in the soothing waters, a stealthy mountain lion crept upon them and attacked.
A Shocking Turn of Events
The tranquility of the evening abruptly shattered as the husband felt the piercing grip of a predator upon his head. With lightning-fast reflexes, the couple responded by frantically splashing water in the direction of the intruder. In a moment of quick thinking, the wife illuminated the scene with a flashlight, revealing the prowling mountain lion.
A Narrow Escape
As detailed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the cacophony and sudden brightness rattled the fearsome feline, prompting its retreat. Yet, the couple’s relief was short-lived: the mountain lion continued to stalk them from a nearby hill. The husband and wife hastily retreated indoors, addressed the man’s injuries, and sought help from the property owner, who promptly alerted CPW.
Assessing the Aftermath
Although the husband sustained four superficial scratches near his right ear, the couple was fortunate to have escaped with minimal harm. CPW officers, hindered by frozen terrain, were unable to locate the elusive mountain lion. Sean Shepherd, the Salida-based area wildlife manager, praised the couple’s actions, citing their noise-making and use of light as crucial in deterring the attacker.
Community Response and Precautions
In the wake of this unsettling incident, wildlife officials have informed neighbors, posted warning signs, and requested reports of any mountain lion sightings to the CPW Salida office or the Colorado State Patrol. Marking the first attack on a human this year, this incident brings the total known attacks causing injuries to 24 since 1990.
Encountering a Mountain Lion: The “SMART” Approach
To prepare for a potential encounter with a mountain lion, CPW recommends adhering to the “SMART” acronym:
- Stop: Do not run!
- Make: Enlarge your presence.
- Announce: Project authority with your voice.
- Retreat: Back away slowly.
- Tell: Alert an adult (for kids) or notify wildlife officials.
Safeguarding High-Risk Communities
For residents in regions prone to mountain lion activity, CPW suggests implementing certain precautions: make noise during peak mountain lion hours, install outdoor lighting, supervise children and pets, eliminate hiding spots in vegetation, and keep pets or livestock secure indoors or in enclosed barns overnight.
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