ABC News Shares Dispatch Call Audio of Fatal Mountain Lion Attack in Northern California

Sad news came out of Northern California this past weekend when two brothers were attacked in the woods by a mountain lion, leaving one dead. ABC News reported that it was the first mountain lion attack in the state in more than two decades.

On Saturday, March 23rd, the young men were out looking for shed deer antlers in the El Dorado National Forest about 50 miles north of Sacramento. The older brother, 21-year-old Taylen Brooks, died in the attack, and his brother, 18-year-old Wyatt Brooks, was severely wounded with injuries to his face. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported that he is expected to survive and make a full recovery. Listen to the dispatch call that reported that tragic scene.

Although Wyatt was severely injured, he was somehow able to call 911 and get help. Officials found him first and began treating his wounds. Additional officers found the mountain lion crouching near the deceased man's body, and it was later shot and killed. ABC News commenters offered condolences and prayers to the family. Unbelievably, many commenters blamed the 18-year-old for leaving his brother during the attack. Several commenters defended the young man like @Olivia who said, "The judgement and lack of compassion for this 18-year-old kid in these comments is disgusting. Imagine witnessing your brother being ripped apart knowing there is nothing he could do." and @Nenni added (with the eye roll emoji), "Not people saying the brother could've handled it. It's a literal mountain lion."

Related: Hiker's Video of Mountain Lion Watching Him on a Trail Serves As an Important Reminder

Mountain Lion Attacks Are Rare

The Associated Press shared more details about the attack, including that the brothers tried to scare off the cat before the cat approached them. According to a family statement the men did what they were taught growing up and "raised their hands in the air to appear larger, shouted, and threw a backpack at the lion in an attempt to scare it away,"

The statement continued, "Instead of retreating, the cougar charged and took the younger brother to the ground by his face. While Taylen beat on and yelled at the lion, Wyatt was able to wrestle the lion to the ground with him on top of the lion. The lion began clawing at Wyatt’s midsection causing Wyatt to release his grip. At that point, the lion released Wyatt, got up and charged Taylen, biting Taylen in the throat and taking Taylen to the ground." What a devasting loss this family is facing.

Although mountain lion attacks are rare, they could be more common in the coming years according to wildlife officials. Encounters between humans and family pets with these big cats are expected to increase as man builds farther into wilderness, shrinking the cats' habitat.

According to a Time Magazine article, the young men did everything right during the attack. They didn't run and stood their ground, trying to appear bigger and look intimidating. They threw things at the big cat, and they fought back. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough, and the encounter ended tragically for the family.

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