I can say with absolute confidence that if my cat Felicity were ever in danger I would absolutely do whatever I had to in order to protect her. And I think I speak for most other pet owners who feel the same way. I would even say that most of us would be willing to punch a mountain lion if it meant protecting our furbabies.
And that is exactly what one woman in Simi Valley, California did, after her 10-year-old miniature Schnauzer named Pumbaa came under attack by a mountain lion in their backyard. The dedicated dog owner went full mama bear as she fought to save her dog’s life.
According to Simi Valley Police Department, the attack occurred early last Thursday morning when the woman let Pumbaa out to the yard to use the facilities. That is when the mountain lion attacked.
The pet owner responded by springing into action and pouncing on the mountain lion – punching it and attempting to pry open its jaws.
Sadly, despite her brave efforts, Pumbaa didn’t survive his attack.
“She obviously cared about her dog very much, as all dog owners do,” Sgt. Keith Eisenhour told NBC4. “She tried to fend the animal off by punching it, elbowing it and tried to pry its jaws open.”
According to the police, when the mountain lion turned on her, she had to retreat back into the safety of her mom.
When the Simi Valley Police Department arrived, they found the mountain lion – who was fitted with a tracking collar employed by the National Park Service in order to study the mountain lions living in Southern California – out in the backyard eating Pumbaa.
They called out a California Fish and Wildlife warden to the scene in order to get the mountain lion to leave using a bean-bag shotgun, however, it was not needed as the mountain lion ended up fleeing the scene on its own prior to any bean-bag shots being fired.
The police who were at the scene looked around the surrounding area, but there were no further signs of the big cat.
Pumbaa’s owner reportedly suffered very minimal injuries, sustaining a minor cut on her finger during the attack.
“She got a cut on her finger, and she kept trying to stop the mountain lion from killing the dog for all she could,” the woman’s brother told ABC7. “She said she was punching it and kneeing it in the head and trying to pry its jaws open, and it just wouldn’t let go. The whole time she could hear her baby dying.”
The fatal attack occurred only a few hours after Simi Valley officers responded to a report of a mountain lion attack on another pet in the same neighborhood. According to the authorities, the mountain lion attacked a dog who was on a walk with its owner about 9:53 pm on Wednesday evening.
The dog, who was identified by NBC4 as an 8-year-old Havanese named Sammy, was injured in that attack but was taken to the vet for medical attention.
Also in that instance, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife game warden was called out to the scene, however, authorities were unable to locate the mountain lion after a search in the area.
Since Pumbaa’s attack, the Simi Valley Police Department has received three more reports of mountain lion sightings in the northeast region of the city. The police department is now advising residents to stay alert while outside and keep pets on a leash.
Authorities have also caution residents to never approach a mountain lion. Also, only fight back if the animal attacks. Other than that, leave it alone.
Simi Valley Police said in their statement. “Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect the head and neck.”
While the whole prospect of mountain lions is scary, we also have to remember that as our cities expand out into their wilderness, we are going to have to make peace and live with them side by side. After all, they’re just trying to survive this world too.
