5 cyclists fought off wild cougar with rocks and sticks for 45 minutes to save their friend’s life

A group of cyclists in suburban Seattle heroically saved a fellow rider's life by fending off a cougar attack during the holiday weekend, as reported by authorities.

The frightening encounter between wildlife and humans occurred on Saturday near Fall City, Washington, approximately 25 miles southeast of Seattle, resulting in the 60-year-old rider being hospitalized with serious injuries, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The incident also left four other cyclists injured as they rushed to rescue the woman, who sustained injuries to her face, neck, and jaw, as per a statement from the WDFW.

WDFW Police Sgt. Carlo Pace commended the cyclists for their bravery, stating "They 100% saved their friend's life." He explained that the cyclists not only managed to pull the "subadult" puma off the rider but also used a bike to subdue the animal. "They were able to pin down a good-sized lion with its claws and teeth and everything else under a mountain bike until we arrived," Pace added.

The incident unfolded at 12:48 p.m. while the group of cyclists was enjoying a Presidents Day weekend ride on the Tokul Creek trail, according to the WDFW. Pace recounted, "It jumped from the side of the road and latched onto her, and her friends were able to detach and fight this thing off."

Wildlife officers swiftly removed the mountain lion from the area. Witnesses mentioned the possibility of a second cougar nearby during the attack, prompting officers to conduct a search with the assistance of a houndsman, although they were unable to locate the second animal.

The injured cyclist received medical treatment at a hospital and was subsequently released, according to Pace. However, the names of the cyclist and her courageous companions were not disclosed.

The incident has understandably left other cyclists on the Tokul Creek trail shaken. Cyclist Luke Chouinard expressed, "It’s terrifying," emphasizing the importance of remaining cautious and vigilant due to the presence of wildlife in the area.

WDFW officials emphasized that cougar attacks on humans are exceedingly rare, citing an estimated 3,600 cougars in Washington state as of 2022.

This incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife encounters, highlighting the bravery and quick thinking of individuals in such perilous situations.