ANIMALS
Pet Schnauzer Fights Off Mountain Lion In California Backyard
Ring
A California family is warning neighbors that a mountain lion in the area is not afraid to attack dogs nearly its own size after their large schnauzer was captured on video fiercely fighting off the predator.
Ring camera footage showed the 3-year-old schnauzer, named Holly Jolly, stepping out to the family’s backyard in La Verne, east of Los Angeles, at around 9 p.m. Saturday.
Suddenly, the snarling mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma, appears in the backyard, and Holly Jolly freezes, alert to the danger. Holly Jolly tries to run away but the cougar pounces and sinks its teeth into the dog.
“We heard a yelping and my husband said, Is that Holly?’” the dog’s owner, identified as Nicole, told KTLA.
“I said, No, I think thats the television, and he said, No, I think thats Holly.’”
Nicole and her husband, identified as Steve, began shouting to try to scare the cougar away.
“As soon as I heard how fierce the battle was, I was like theres no way,” Steve told the outlet. “I was imagining like a skunk or something back here that she was just messing with, so then I went in and grabbed a gun.”
Teeth and claws flew as the battle continued for about a minute, but by the time Steve returned, the cougar had gone. The big cat returned about 20 minutes later, but Holly Jolly was no longer outside.
Holly Jolly, who weighs 93 pounds, was treated by a veterinarian for puncture wounds, scratches, and a deeper injury that required stitches, but she is recovering well, her family said.
“Shes enjoying all the extra love, all the extra treats, all the extra attention,” Nicole said. “Shes loving it right now.
Although their neighborhood is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and coyotes, the family said this is the first time a mountain lion has gotten so close.
“We wanted to let all of our neighbors know that this thing is out and bold enough to jump in yards and attack a dog almost the same size,” Steve said.
TMX contributed to this article.
