KSLTV News reports that on July 19, a Labrador retriever in Cedar Hills, Utah, battled off a mountain lion to save its family. Despite suffering horrific injuries, the dog lived to see another day.
Ella, a 7-year-old yellow Lab, observed the mountain lion as Crystal Michaelis and her kids were playing in the backyard. Michaelis didn't see the mountain lion, but she did observe Ella acting oddly and shifting her attention back and forth between the youngsters and the mountain lion's hiding place.
Michaelis said, "She kept glancing at the kids and then looking back so quickly. My kid thought it was quite alarming even though she was just being careful.
Michaelis finally brought her children inside. Ella's head, face, legs, tongue, and neck were all severely cut when they reached the patio door. " Ella was covered in blood when we opened the rear door. Michaelis said, "There was blood all over the entrance and the patio.
Although the family was not present for the battle, mountain lion tracks leading to the site were discovered by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officers. The mountain lion may have become sidetracked by some nearby goats in a neighbor's yard and strayed too close to the Michaelis' house, according to wildlife officials.
After defending her family from a mountain lion in Cedar Hills, Ella, a 7-year-old lab, sustained injuries on her head, neck, legs, and tongue. She also has more than 30 bite marks on her body. This story will air tonight at 6:30 on @KSL5TV. pic.twitter.com/gTaA9I3Djk #ksltv @KSL AlexCabrero Alex Cabrero July 20, 2022
Although the mountain lion has not been spotted again, the Utah DWR has issued a warning to locals to keep vigilant and safe. Deer are cougars' primary food supply, so they frequently follow where deer go, according to DWR public information officer Faith Jolley. "They've also spotted deer traveling through this region," she added.
In total, Ella was bit more than 30 times, always starting at the shoulders. Michaelis told reporters, "Which means she never gave up and stayed in that protective stance and defended it. Ella is anticipated to make a full recovery despite her wounds.