NATHROP, Colorado — A man’s decision to soak outside in a hot tub was not the relaxing experience he expected.
A mountain lion clawed the man in the head as he sat in the in-ground hot tub late Saturday night at a rental home in a heavily wooded area, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The man was lucky enough to escape with four superficial scratches on the top of his head and near his right ear. But the incident resulted in wildlife officials launching a search for the mountain lion. The animal had not been found as of Tuesday morning.
According to wildlife officials, the attack occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday as the man and his wife sat in the hot tub at the home in Chaffee County. The man felt something grab his head, causing him and his wife to begin screaming and splashing water at the mountain lion.
Authorities say the victim’s wife grabbed a flashlight and they were able to identify the animal as a mountain lion. The light and commotion caused the mountain lion to retreat about 20 feet, but the couple continued to scream at it. After a short time, it moved to the top of a hill near some rocks, where it crouched down and continued to watch the couple.
This undated photo released by the National Park Service shows the adult female mountain lion P-65.
“We think it’s likely the mountain lion saw the man’s head move in the darkness at ground-level but didn’t recognize the people in the hot tub,” said Sean Shepherd, area wildlife manager. “The couple did the right thing by making noise and shining a light on the lion. Although this victim had only minor injuries, we take this incident seriously.”
The couple was able to return to the rental house, where the man was able to clean the wounds himself and did not require medical assistance, wildlife officials say. Officers were able to determine the wounds were consistent with the claw of a mountain lion.
The couple called the property’s owner, who works for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the owner alerted authorities.
The attack Saturday is the first reported attack by a mountain lion on Colorado since Feb. 27, 2022, according to wildlife officials. It is only the 24th attack in the state causing an injury since 1990. Three attacks since 1990 were fatal.
12 tips for preventing a trail attack
1. Avoid hiking alone
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Hiking with a buddy is an easy way to deter would-be assailants. Remember — strength in numbers.
2. Hike during busier times
UpdatedWhile hiking on a crowded trail can be a drag, having more people around could limit the risk of an attack. Avoiding early morning and late day hikes can help you avoid hiking in an isolated situation.
3. Avoid using headphones
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Blasting music or a podcast through your headphones can limit your awareness of what’s going on around you. Keep your ears open to send a signal to a would-be attacker that you’re able to fully hear them coming.
4. Carry an emergency signaling device
UpdatedConsider carrying a GPS device that lets you report an emergency situation. Reporting a dangerous situation quickly and accurately is important for search and rescue crews that may be needed.
5. Bring a hiking whistle
UpdatedBy carrying a loud whistle, you’re able to quickly and efficiently alert those in the area to a dangerous situation that’s unfolding. Many hikers prefer to keep their whistle around their neck for easy access.
6. Learn self-defense
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Take a few self-defense classes at a local martial arts studio to learn a few basic techniques. These skills can be crucial to stopping an attack and escaping the situation safely.
7. Know the trail
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Research a trail beforehand and consult others that have been along the route. This will often tip you off to general sketchiness or other hazards that may be present.
8. Consider bringing pepper spray
UpdatedNot only can pepper spray be used to prevent an animal attack, it can also be used to ward off dangerous humans. Obviously, pepper spray should only be used in the direst of situations when using it is legal. It’s also a smart idea to practice using the pepper spray on a mock target prior to carrying it so that one knows how to use it and what the experience of using it is like.
9. Wear proper gear
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Proper gear will allow you to keep moving regardless of inclement weather that rolls through. Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage by wearing shoes that are hard to walk or run in if things get muddy.
10. Tell a friend where you’re headed
UpdatedWhether you’re hiking alone or with someone else, a trusted individual who’s not there should know where you’re headed and when you’re expecting to be back. This will allow them to alert authorities in a timely manner if you don’t return.
11. Pay attention to your surroundings
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It can be easy to get lost in the moment of enjoying a natural scene, but remember to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Take note of people that might be following you and other occurrences that just seem a bit off.
12. Put that canine to use
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If you’ve got a dog, bring it on the hike as a safety measure when you can. Dogs are often a deterrence for crime when they’re large enough to protect their handlers if need be.
