Army Vet Bare-Handed Fight Saves Dog from Mountain Lion in Wyoming
Army veteran Adam Borkhus rescued his dog from a mountain lion in Wyoming using only his bare hands.
2 min read
An Army veteran in Wyoming recently faced a terrifying encounter with a mountain lion while protecting his dog, according to a local news report. Adam Borkhus, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound man, recounted how he fought off the wild predator to save his Labrador retriever, Diesel, after the animal attacked during a nature walk.
Chase for the Dog
Borkhus and Diesel had driven along South Fork Road near Cody to photograph elk, but the outing turned dangerous when he heard Diesel yelp and saw the dog in a struggle with a juvenile mountain lion. Borkhus, who was carrying bear spray and a pistol, kicked the animal to free his dog and engaged in a brief but intense fight with the mountain lion.
According to Borkhus, the encounter lasted about 20 seconds, during which he tried to punch the cat and kept it from biting his neck and face. Despite his size, Borkhus noted the mountain lion was surprisingly strong, managing to knock him down with a powerful hit to the chest. Eventually, the animal ran away, leaving Borkhus with minor scratches.
Mountain Lion Behavior
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department explained that mountain lions are elusive and rarely seen, relying on a stealthy stalking and ambush strategy for survival. Their primary prey includes deer and elk, though they also consume a variety of mammals such as porcupines, raccoons, beavers, and coyotes. These big cats, also known as cougars, are known for their cryptic behavior and solitary nature.
Aftermath and Recovery
Although Borkhus has been undergoing rabies vaccine shots, the risk of rabies in mountain lions is low. Diesel, the dog, was unharmed and showed no change in behavior, with Borkhus describing him as ‘just his own dumb self.’ The incident highlights the unpredictability of wildlife encounters and the importance of preparedness in outdoor activities.
Source: Breitbart
