Authorities reported a fatal mountain lion attack in a secluded area of El Dorado County in Northern California on Saturday, March 23 resulting in the death of a 21-year-old man and injuries to his brother. El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident following a call about a mountain lion attack near Georgetown at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time. The incident occurred near Darling Ridge Road and Skid Road, according to officials.
An 18-year-old man reported that he and his 21-year-old brother were attacked by a mountain lion while hunting for antler sheds. The teenager sustained facial injuries and became separated from his brother during the encounter. Around 1:30 p.m., deputies located the injured teenager while continuing their search for his brother. Approximately 15 minutes later, they discovered the victim lying on the ground next to a crouched mountain lion.
After firing their weapons to scare off the mountain lion, deputies confirmed that the 21-year-old victim had succumbed to his injuries. His identity has not yet been released. The injured teenager was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Responding to the incident, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized the mountain lion found in the area and retrieved its body for further examination. Officials advise individuals encountering mountain lions to remain calm, provide them with an escape route, make loud noises, and avoid crouching down. They also recommend placing small children on their shoulders to appear larger.
This marks the first deadly mountain lion attack in El Dorado County since 1994. Georgetown, where the incident occurred, is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Sacramento.
