Editorial

Big cats not unheard of in Southwest Nebraska

Monday, June 20, 2016

Many dads were recognized on Sunday's Fathers Day for all they do, but we have to pay tribute as well to the Colorado mom who saved her 5-year-old son's life by pulling his head from the jaws of a mountain lion.

The Pitkin County police said the child was playing outside Friday with his brother when the mother heard the sound of screaming.

"The woman charged the animal, yanked away one of its paws and discovered her son's whole head was in its mouth," according to The Associated Press.

We've all heard stories where superhuman strength kicks in when needed, and this was probably one of those instances.

"She was able to pry the cat's jaws open," Deputy Michael Buglione told the Aspen Times. "She's a hero."

The child is in fair condition and has been transfered from an Aspen hospital to one in Denver. The mother was treated for minor injuries to her legs and hand and released.

A 2-year-old male mountain lion believed to be responsible for the attack was found and killed. A second was tracked by hounds and killed early Saturday.

"It wasn't a big cat," Buglione said. "Had it been a 110-pound lion -- which I've seen around here -- this would have been a much different story."

Authorities say that while you may have never seen a mountain lion in the wild, one of them has probably seen you.

There are some 4,500 mountain lions living in Colorado, and three documented mountain lions in Nebraska, the largest about 22 animals in the Pine Ridge region of Northwest Nebraska.

The big cats don't observe state lines, however, and move freely between neighboring states, especially South Dakota and Wyoming.

According to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission interactive map, mountain lions have been confirmed as close as Frontier County, and we've heard many other anecdotes of encounters closer to our area.

There's no cause for alarm, but parents of young children, even in Southwest Nebraska, should be aware of the possibility of an encounter similar to the one experienced by the Colorado mother.

If you do encounter one of the big cats, officials offer the following advice:

* Do not approach a mountain lion.

* Leave the animal an avenue of escape.

* Stay calm, move slowly.

* Back away safely if you can. Do not turn your back to the lion or start running.

* Raise your arms or backpack to appear larger.

* Lift up your children to prevent them from running.

* If you are being attacked fight back. Mountain lion have been successfully driven off with bare hands. Use rocks, or whatever you can get your hands on. Try to remain on your feet or get back up if knocked down.

More information is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

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