Posted: Aug 7, 2008 09:01 AM | By Scott Kilbury | http://www.kold.com
There are times you really need to go with your gut and a hiker in the Los Angeles area is probably realizing that after being attacked by a mountain lion.
Wednesday morning, the hiker was walking the Portola Hills area when he says he spotted three mountain lion cubs. The hiker told police he also saw the mother mountain lion. But that apparently didn't stop him from petting the babies.
Well, protective mothers do what mothers do. The mountain lion mother attacked and now that hiker is having his wounds treated.
Authorities say the hiker was not seriously hurt, but was treated for scratches on his arms. Police rushed to the area and searched for the mountain lion and cubs. While that search was taking place a nearby elementary school was put on lockdown.
Wildlife experts say it appears the mountain lion and cubs went back into the canyon. If they do find the mountain lion and cubs, officers will tranquilize the animals and take them to a sanctuary in San Diego.
Authorities say this would need to be done because the animals have had human contact. Officers say if they are threatened by the mountain lion they may have to kill it.