KSLTV News reports that on July 19, a Labrador retriever in Cedar Hills, Utah, battled off a mountain lion to save its family. Despite suffering horrific injuries, the dog lived to see another day.
Ella, a 7-year-old yellow Lab, observed the mountain lion as Crystal Michaelis and her kids were playing in the backyard. Michaelis didn't see the mountain lion, but she did observe Ella acting oddly and shifting her attention back and forth between the youngsters and the mountain lion's hiding place.
Michaelis said, "She kept glancing at the kids and then looking back so quickly. My kid thought it was quite alarming even though she was just being careful.
Michaelis finally brought her children inside. Ella's head, face, legs, tongue, and neck were all severely cut when they reached the patio door. " Ella was covered in blood when we opened the rear door. Michaelis said, "There was blood all over the entrance and the patio.
Although the family was not present for the battle, mountain lion tracks leading to the site were discovered by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officers. The mountain lion may have become sidetracked by some nearby goats in a neighbor's yard and strayed too close to the Michaelis' house, according to wildlife officials.
After defending her family from a mountain lion in Cedar Hills, Ella, a 7-year-old lab, sustained injuries on her head, neck, legs, and tongue. She also has more than 30 bite marks on her body. This story will air tonight at 6:30 on @KSL5TV. pic.twitter.com/gTaA9I3Djk #ksltv @KSL AlexCabrero Alex Cabrero July 20, 2022
Although the mountain lion has not been spotted again, the Utah DWR has issued a warning to locals to keep vigilant and safe. Deer are cougars' primary food supply, so they frequently follow where deer go, according to DWR public information officer Faith Jolley. "They've also spotted deer traveling through this region," she added.
In total, Ella was bit more than 30 times, always starting at the shoulders. Michaelis told reporters, "Which means she never gave up and stayed in that protective stance and defended it. Ella is anticipated to make a full recovery despite her wounds.
Watch the video below to learn more about the incident:
Dogs never cease to amaze me.
replydeleteI’m so happy to hear she will make a full good recovery and I’m happy to hear she protected her family and dogs are amazing and my dog is a beagle hound and she protects me. If someone comes near me that she don’t know she barks at them and gets in front of me
replydeleteYour beagle wouldn't do shit against a mountain lion, barking aint gonna cut the mustard
deleteWOW! So sad for the pup and I know they are loyal to thier family but I would move to a city to put my furbabies in harms way. They are my kids and I would be not only lost but couldn't never forgive myself if that lion would had kill my baby😥
deleteDogs do deserve all the love in the world.
replydeleteShe is a hero dogs are special friends they never let us down
replydeleteAmazing story so happy ella survived she deserves the world
replydeleteCan we start a gofundme for this hero?! 🥰🥰💖
replydeleteThat would be awesome 😍
deleteIt is because of dogs that I believe in the 'possibility' of a god.
replydeleteTheir love never ends... loyal 💕
replydeleteSpeedy recovery to you... Little hero... Literally the best family member you could ever is a dog... Unconditional love...
replydeleteHOPE HE IS OK...A TRUE HERO!
replydeleteSo glad this precious dog lived after or terrible ordeal. You are a hero.
replydeleteJust one more reason I get along better with animals than I do people. They are true souls
replydeleteBless her so brave she needs loads of treats and unending love
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