Mountain Lion
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LAKE ELSINORE -
Officials have called off their search for a mountain lion that attacked a dog near the Blue Jay campground in the Cleveland National Forest. The dog is recovering and is expected to survive.
Wildlife officials found no blood, hair or tracks at the site where the pet dog was reportedly mauled by a mountain lion.
Officials with the California Department of Fish and Game say the search was cancelled because the incident was no longer a public safety issue.
A man and his wife were hiking with their dog around 1 p.m. Tuesday on a marked trail in the wilderness area when they encountered an aggressive mountain lion, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino.
The mountain lion lunged at the pair and the black shepherd mix, named Hoagy, attacked to protect his owner. The mountain lion eventually ran away. The attack happened near the Falcon Crest gate off the Ortega Highway, Amormino said.
The dog suffered major injuries in the attack and was taken to the Clinton Keith veterinary hospital for treatment.
The owners credited the dog with saving their lives. The dog's owner, William Morse, said the cougar came out of nowhere and charged the couple.
Fish and Game spokesman Harry Morse said it's unclear what type of animal attacked the dog. Cougars can attack and eat off-leash dogs, but the big cats usually flee when the dogs are with people.
A game warden will examine the dog's injuries to learn more about what it fought with.
The campground was closed yesterday and remains closed today, according to officials.
Wildlife officials found no blood, hair or tracks at the site where the pet dog was reportedly mauled by a mountain lion.
Officials with the California Department of Fish and Game say the search was cancelled because the incident was no longer a public safety issue.
A man and his wife were hiking with their dog around 1 p.m. Tuesday on a marked trail in the wilderness area when they encountered an aggressive mountain lion, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino.
The mountain lion lunged at the pair and the black shepherd mix, named Hoagy, attacked to protect his owner. The mountain lion eventually ran away. The attack happened near the Falcon Crest gate off the Ortega Highway, Amormino said.
The dog suffered major injuries in the attack and was taken to the Clinton Keith veterinary hospital for treatment.
The owners credited the dog with saving their lives. The dog's owner, William Morse, said the cougar came out of nowhere and charged the couple.
Fish and Game spokesman Harry Morse said it's unclear what type of animal attacked the dog. Cougars can attack and eat off-leash dogs, but the big cats usually flee when the dogs are with people.
A game warden will examine the dog's injuries to learn more about what it fought with.
The campground was closed yesterday and remains closed today, according to officials.
