hunter attacked by lion near Kalispell Montana

Emily · Post by **Emily** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:23 pm

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/ ... news01.txt
Northwest Montana - DailyInterLake.com
Mountain lion attacks hunter
Posted: Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 10:52:58 am MST

The Daily Inter Lake

A hunter was attacked by a mountain lion Sunday morning in the Squeezer Creek area of the Swan Valley southeast of Kalispell.

The hunter has been treated for cuts on his leg, as well as puncture wounds and scratches, and released from the hospital, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

According to Warden Chuck Bartos, on early Sunday morning the hunter left his car and was several miles in on a trail when he heard what sounded like the scream of a mountain lion.

A short time later, he heard a growl and turned to see the mountain lion 10 to 15 feet away. The man dropped his rifle and rushed to get behind a tree. The lion quickly caught up and pounced on the hunter's back, knocking him into the tree. The collision caused the lion to lose its grip and the hunter was able to reach his pistol and fire a shot.

The noise of the shot spooked the lion and it ran away. As the lion ran, the hunter fired several more shots.

The man then picked up his rifle and made his way back down the trail. He met several other hunters who helped him reach his vehicle. The injured hunter began driving back to Kalispell and notified relatives, who met him on the way.

According to Bartos, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center the man received five stitches for cuts to his leg made by the lion's claws.

The injured man, whose name was not released, was also treated for scratches on his back, shoulder and a few puncture wounds to the back of his head.

Bartos said the hunter's backpack probably prevented the lion from causing more serious injuries. Bartos said the hunter's backpack was shredded, reflecting the protection it provided.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's Daily Inter Lake.

Spanky · Post by **Spanky** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:52 pm

what an idiot.....he dropped his rifle and ran

after he got pounced on he pulled his pistol and fired

This all happened not even 10 miles down the road from my house.

Why is the hunters name such a secret...apparently he already knows what a putz he really is to cut and run rather then shoot. I'll bet he is counting his blessings, if it was a griz he would have been picked clean.

Just what we need, just give fish and duck more excuses for raising quotas and permits to make more room for the damn federal pet

Boozer · Post by **Boozer** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 1:08 am

I agree with ya hes not the sharpest knife in the drawer and it just fuels the fire for the fish cops...

Farmhand · Post by **Farmhand** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:42 pm

Was that guy from France or what dropping his rifle. His backpack saved him from more serious injuries. NO!!!! His rifle would have saved him from any injuries at all. Some people should just stay home.

houndsnmules · Post by **houndsnmules** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:38 pm

If you dropped your rifle and ran ,would you want your name in the paper