A snowboarder’s quick thinking saved him from a potentially deadly encounter with a mountain lion while riding near Beaver Mountain, Utah, on Sunday, February 5.
Charlie Duffy recounted his experience in an Instagram post, describing how he noticed fresh paw prints in the snow before spotting the mountain lion just a few feet behind him. Acting on instinct, Duffy swung his snowboard with full force at the predator, managing to fend it off.
“Yesterday I was snowboarding the backside of beaver mountain when I had a near death experience. I made it to the car track that takes you back to the little beaver lift and was walking when I started to see paw prints in the snow. I was alone and it recently snowed so I was very on edge. I was constantly checking all around. There it was! I looked over my left shoulder and saw a mountain lion up to my left getting ready to pounce. My fight response instantly kicked in and I grabbed my board in my right hand and swung with full force at the jumping mountain lion. It barely grazed my neck with its claws and got knocked to the ground. The mountain lion proceeded to get back up and come back at me. At this point I could tell that the cat was starving to death and injured from the blow. I kept pushing it back and it eventually ran off very disoriented. I am lucky to be here today and to only receive a couple of small scratches from the cat.”
In a statement to KSL news, Duffy explained that the mountain lion initially grazed his neck as it lunged, but he was able to hold it off using his snowboard as both a shield and a weapon. He ultimately escaped unscathed, aside from a few minor scratches.
Experts speculate that the mountain lion may have been starving or sick, as it appeared emaciated and disoriented during the encounter. While attacks by mountain lions are rare, winter conditions can drive these elusive creatures closer to human habitats in search of food.
Following Duffy’s ordeal, snowboard brands Nitro and 686 offered to replace his damaged equipment.
“INSANE. We’re gonna get that repaired for you.”
– 686 comment on Instagram
As winter outdoor activities continue, authorities advise individuals to remain vigilant and travel in groups to minimize the risk of wildlife encounters. If faced with a mountain lion, experts recommend standing your ground, making yourself appear large, and slowly backing away while maintaining eye contact.
