Photographer Adam Borkhus Fights 70-Pound Mountain Lion at Yellowstone to Save His Dog

During a visit to Yellowstone National Park, photographer Adam Borkhus was changing lenses when he allowed his two-year-old Labrador, Diesel, to step out of the vehicle to relieve himself. Moments later, he heard a yelp and found Diesel caught up with a 70-pound mountain lion. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 300 pounds, Borkhus opted to kick the cougar in the face instead of using the bear spray and pistol he had, worried about hitting Diesel. The mountain lion then attacked him, landing on his chest. In a struggle lasting about 20 seconds, he managed to keep the lion's jaws at bay with one hand while punching it with the other. Eventually, he yanked on the cat's ear, causing it to retreat. Afterward, Diesel was waiting by the vehicle. The Cody, Wyoming resident received treatment at a hospital, including a series of painful rabies shots. Having carried bear spray due to previous encounters with grizzlies in the Teton wilderness, he had never faced a mountain lion before. According to researcher Joshua Lisbon from the Mountain Lion Foundation, such encounters are as rare as being struck by lightning. Wyoming has never documented a fatal mountain lion attack. Borkhus speculated the cat was startled and reacted defensively rather than attempting to prey on Diesel. Experts recommend using bear spray in these scenarios instead of engaging in physical combat.