GILA COUNTY, AZ — Gila County Animal Care & Control Officers are investigating after a 64-year-old man was reportedly attacked by a mountain lion near the Salt River.
Officials say on Thursday, a group of rafters was camped on the edge of the river when a mountain lion approached the group and attacked the man.
According to reports, the rafters used their paddles to try and fight off the mountain lion. Eventually, the lion was kept at bay and the group used their rafts to get to safety.
The mountain lion is still at large in this area, and hunters with hound dogs are currently looking for the animal.
Gila County officials have not said the severity of the man's injuries but say he is doing well and sore from the attack.
The Gila County Animal Care & Control Officers, San Carlos Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Arizona Game and Fish are responding to the incident and have increased surveillance in the area.
Authorities are asking people to take extra precautions, and reminding those that do go out to avoid wildlife due to the possible exposure of rabies.
If you see an animal acting abnormally in this area, Gila County Animal Care & Control asks that you call them at (928)-425-5882.
ABC15 also spoke with Arizona Game and Fish Department who say attacks like these are uncommon.
So, what should you do if you encounter one?
"What we tell hikers and other people who are outdoors a lot to do is: to stand upright, wave their arms, throw objects they can easily reach without bending down - a backpack, a keychain. And, try and make that lion think you, you're more dangerous to it than it is to you. So, get big, and last but not least, maintain eye contact," says Mark Hart, Arizona Game & Fish Department.
Officials say what you shouldn't do is run away.
Some living in the Munds Park Community tells us it's a real fear since they have spotted a mountain lion with her cubs in their neighborhood for months now.
"I think if you look at an animal that big, you know, and you know that it's roaming the same neighborhood that your children are in... it, it's unsettling," says Martin Zeigler.
Game and Fish in Flagstaff says the mother and cubs have been sighted during daylight hours. They say if more sightings occur, their next step is to try and relocate them to a wildlife sanctuary to avoid anyone getting hurt.
"We haven't had any incidents, but I don't want that to happen for you know, the sake of, of my family, any human being, or the animal for that matter," says Martin.
