California summer camp staff member attacked by mountain lion, animal euthanized
The mountain lion that attacked a summer camp worker in Northern California in mid-June has been euthanized, officials said Tuesday.
California's Department of Fish and Wildlife said officials located and captured the animal over the weekend.
The mountain lion was euthanized after DNA analysis confirmed it was the same animal that injured the worker at a summer camp east of Hyampom in Trinity County on June 14. The staff member sustained minor injuries and the lion took off.
It was the second mountain lion to be put down in connection with the search that followed the attack.
While searching the property to ensure the animal left the area, the property owner came across a mountain lion. Officials said, fearing for his life, the property owner euthanized the animal.
DNA testing, however, showed that mountain lion was not involved in the attack. No details surrounding how the animal was euthanized were released.
Officials said mountain lions pose little threat to humans, saying a person is 1,000 times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion.
People who come across mountain lions should never approach them, stay calm, face the animal, make loud noises and try to look bigger; never crouch down or bend over, put small children on their shoulders and keep pets leashed.
Hyampom is located about 245 miles northwest of Sacramento and about 85 miles west of Redding.
