Man Kills Cougar That Attacked His Dog

“The man said his dog, a husky, began growling and barking as the lion approached,” CPW reports. “When the lion got within about 10 feet, the dog engaged it and the man grabbed a shovel, which he used to strike the lion in the head, killing it.

When you live in areas with wild predators, you need a plan in case you or your pets are attacked. While the use of a shovel is a novel approach, I don't think that can be counted on as a good solution the next time. I think some consideration of the types of ways hunters and wildlife officers dispatch these predators is in order.

If you were to be in a confrontation with a heavyweight boxer, what minimum requirements would it take for you to prevail? That is the kind of thinking you would do regarding predators. What if it was a coyote? Another mountain lion? A black bear? A crocodile or alligator? A 15 foot python? Or let's say it wasn't a predator but another type of animal? What about a deer with antlers? An elk? A moose? A javelina? 

This incident happened 40 miles west of Pueblo, CO, in a campground near "Cañon City in Fremont County, Colorado". The dog's owner is familiar with the area, which is known to have many mountain lions. It is important to read the signs that are usually posted at the entrances of most natural parks which describe what you might encounter, and prepare accordingly. He might not have been able to prevent this attack, but I think it is important to prepare in case you have to deal with such an attack. Cougars see dogs as a good meal. Plan accordingly.