One dog proved his loyalty yesterday when he headed off a charging cougar about to attack his 11-year-old owner.
The youth who lives in British Columbia was walking outside to get firewood when the cougar came running across the yard. Angel, the family's golden retriever mix, responded in a split second that saved the boy from disaster. The dog intercepted the giant cougar, but Angel had more to lose and didn't back down.
The family rushed the boy inside and called Canadian police who were quickly on the scene. But by this time, the cougar had dragged the dog underneath the porch and had him by the neck. According to reports, "The officer fired two rounds into the cougar's rear end," which did not deter the wild animal from the fight. Finally, the cougar had to be shot to death.
Amazingly, Angel only suffered minor injuries as a result and is being hailed as a hero.
Mountain lion attacks are rare, but have been reported in western portions of our own state. If you do see a cougar, sightings can be reported by calling 1-800-792-1112.
Comments
I'm confused - did this incident take place in Texas or British Columbia?
It says the event took place in BC. But gives info for if you see a cougar in Texas since they are here and can attack on rare occassions.
These people did nothing to help the poor dog other than call the police then wait while watching their poor dog suffer. These people had no protection plan in place other than calling and hoping someone would eventually arrive to help them, these people simply does not deserve the dog.
These people need to get a dog breed that is famous for its protection of all family members as well as going toe-to-with a cougar! I am afraid that their selection of a Golden Retriever is the WRONG dog! Next time their Golden Retriever will be killed by a cougar! The Presa Canario is a "gladiator breed" and although it is very good with the family and children it must be socialized at a very early age and receive dog obedience training!
Presa Canario's were used in the Canary Islands and in Brazil to hunt and route jaguars! Jaguars are twice the size and bitting power of mountain lions! There are plenty of stories of family members being protected/saved from attacking cougars! And these dogs don't back down from a cougar attack; but rather engage the cougar attacks head-on (Please go to showstopper kennels and read one of their testamonials on cougar encounters!
This animal reacted with LOVE, The larger animal may not have that motherly instinict!I think the family was taken off guard.
You don't need a guard dog such as a Presa Canario. A good .50 or .40 caliber Smith and Wesson is enough to take care of a cougar. The best team is a small dog such as a chihuahua and a twelve gauge shotgun with 0-0 steel shot.
Large dog breeds die young and eat large amounts of food. Guns only eat small amounts of gun powder. The stupid Canadian anti-gun mentality needs to be reexamined. Living in the Canadian wilderness without firearms is brain dead.
is that blood or ah-so sauce?
Its great to have a shotgun to kill cougars but if you are in a "gun restrictive" country like Canada, what good is it since you can't protect your family or animals because it IS considered illegal, then the next best protection is a dog breed that WILL go up against a cougar, a prowler, and a criminal and ask any police officer (also check the programs like forensic files) and you will see that any career criminal will NOT plan robberies or killings where larger sized dogs are because criminals ALWAYS choose the "LEAST path of resistence" and NO criminal wants to bitten by a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Presa or Pit Bull! And YES, any person who lives in the wilderness, be it Canada or the USA without a rifle, a shotgun, or S&W IS in my opinion....BRAIN DEAD! Bullets are great, BUT when YOU don't see the cougar or criminal coming (ambush) rest assured....The Dog based on his hearing, sight, and protective instincts for his/her family will always be there to protect YOU!
Ken Muir identified the basic problem - the family apparently lives in an area with cougars (and probably bears) and yet they have no means of self defense. To me, that is being foolish and irresponsible. There is a lot of truth in the saying that "when seconds count, the police are minutes away". ( no disrepect to police but there are never enough of them )
this is very cool i agree with everyones gun talk gotta have something to protect your self with other than a dog but none the less its a very cool story and personally first i would have gotten my kid inside while the dog had it covered but the second the kid was safe in side i would of had the wife call the police and myself been out there helping my dog call me stupid if you may but my dog is part of my family not over my child or wife but i will risk my self to protect her. as for a gun goes its better to have it and need it then it is to need it and not have it
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!