Colorado Man Kicks a Mountain Lion, Saves His Dog

50 Campfires

A man’s swift kick to a mountain lion probably saved a dog’s life in Boulder, Colorado. Juan Gutierrez told local Fox 31 News that as he was walking his 14-year-old Pomeranian mix on Thursday night, a mountain lion approached them. He says his dog, Riley, assumed the animal was another dog, but Gutierrez knew better.

Gutierrez says he yelled at the cat, but it continued to approach. Next, he tried to stun or distract the animal with his flashlight. It worked enough to confuse the predator, giving Gutierrez a window of opportunity to fight back. The man then kicked the mountain lion, grabbed his dog, and backed away slowly as the mountain appeared to be “seeing stars” after the kick.

Residents in the area had spotted a mountain lion earlier in the week, but wildlife officials can’t confirm it was the same animal. If you live in an area with mountain lions, consider carrying bear spray as a precaution.

Watch the interview with Gutierrez here:

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