In a startling incident, a mountain lion attacked two dogs in a Southern California backyard. The attack took place in Yucaipa, close to San Bernardino, around 8 a.m. on Saturday.
The dogs, Summer, an Anatolian shepherd, and Winter, a large husky, both lost their lives. Their owner, Laurie Schultz, expressed disbelief over what transpired.
Roger Schulz, a family member, described the dogs, stating, “In the winter, the husky was pure white, and in the summer, it had this golden sheen, like a big fluffy ball of fur.”
Laurie mentioned that the family felt devastated. They shared that the mountain lion struck without provocation, targeting their pets specifically. After the tragic event, the family disposed of all the pet’s belongings, hoping to remember them as they were in happier times.
The couple was away in Northern California when the incident occurred, and they captured video evidence of the predatory attack. A neighbor informed them about the distressing news.
The footage reveals the mountain lion first targeting Winter and then returning about half an hour later to drag Summer away “like a rag.” Afterward, the dog was located and fitted with a tracking device.
Roger is now urging neighbors, especially those with young kids, to be cautious and proactive. He said, “You might have seen warnings about keeping pets indoors, but please warn others walking in our neighborhood. Everyone should be careful.”
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has stated they are in touch with the family. They also noted that incidents like this aren’t unusual, as mountain lions sometimes hunt domestic dogs, regardless of their size. The department recommended steps residents can take to protect their pets, such as supervising them outdoors, especially at night, and building safe enclosures for animals left outside.
