ARIZONA NEWS

Mountain lion attacks man camping along Salt River in Gila County

Mar 20, 2023, 6:15 AM | Updated: 3:47 pm

(National Park Service Photo)...

(National Park Service Photo)

(National Park Service Photo)

PHOENIX — A 64-year-old man on a rafting trip was attacked by a mountain lion while camping on the edge of the Salt River, Gila County officials said.

A group of 10 rafters attempted to fight off the big cat with their paddles last Thursday and managed to reach safety on their rafts, according to a press release.

Gila County Animal Care and Control Officers, San Carlos Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe and Arizona Game and Fish increased surveillance in the area to find the cat.

The victim involved in the attack is doing well but remains sore, Gila County officials said in an email.

The White Mountain Apache Tribe sent a group of Department of Agriculture hunters with hound dogs to follow the mountain lion’s tracks, but the cat has not yet been found, officials said.

Mountain lion attacks are rare, as cougars largely avoid developed areas, according to AZGFD.

For example, only 13 attacks have occurred in California since 2000, one of which fatal.

But male cats can grow up to 150 pounds and have the capability to seriously injure or kill a person.

AZGFD advises people to not approach mountain lions, as they typically avoid confrontation.

During an encounter, the department instructs people to face the animal, speak in a loud voice, try to appear larger, slowly back away and fight back if attacked as opposed to running.

Any attacks or sightings on urban areas can be reported to Arizona Game and Fish Department Dispatch 623-236-7201.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

53 minutes ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

2 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

4 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

6 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

7 hours ago

fatal Glendale car crash killed mother car crashed into Glendale home Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect arrested after car crashes into house in Glendale, killing homeowner, 3 months ago

Celeste La Sean Downer, 22, was arrested on Tuesday for the fatal Glendale car crash that struck a mother of two on Nov. 10, 2024.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Mountain lion attacks man camping along Salt River in Gila County