November 7, 2009

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

SD Man Survives Mountain Lion Attack

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Ryan Hughes suffered scratches and puncture wounds to the face and hand after he says he was attacked by a mountain lion.

By Leslie Rupiper

Story Created: Mar 3, 2008 at 9:39 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2008 at 11:41 PM CST

Imagine heading out for an afternoon of ice fishing and coming face to face with a mountain lion instead. That's exactly what a Rapid City man says happened to him this past weekend. The scratches on Ryan Hughes' face and a bandaged hand are what remain of a weekend excursion he'll never forget. Ryan was ice fishing on Lake Sheridan near Rapid City when he stepped off the ice and into the woods. That's when he says he came face to face with a mountain lion with fresh kill in it's mouth. Ryan says the lion jumped on top of him and knocked him on his back. He says, "You don't really think of anything other than to protect yourself. So that's about all I could do. I just tried to get my hands up in front of my face and just started kicking with my legs in hopes it would get off."

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The mountain lion left, but Ryan had to be treated at the hospital for his injuries. Game, Fish and Parks officials are now looking for the cat, because the agency's rules call for it to be killed if it's found. Ryan says "I'm not a firm believer they should kill it because it attacked me. I think I was probably infringing on its territory and just happened to startle it and it was doing what it thought it should do."

GF & P says there is no reason to panic because mountain lion attacks are very rare. As for Ryan Hughes, he is taking rabies vaccinations as a precaution.

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Saturday, Dec 20 at 4:58 PM big hunter wrote ...

I think that those of you who think we should protect mountain lions should go camping in the woods with your children and don't worry about the kids getting killed, after all whats the big deal right? wrong, these animals should be hunted more to control their numbers. my opinion.

Saturday, Dec 20 at 11:31 AM wow... wrote ...

You all need to think before speaking. A man was attacked! He could have been killed!! Instead of sitting here bad mouthing him why don't you express how glad you are that he is alive and that his injuries weren't worst. As for the animal that attacked him, how would you like it if your son/daughter/father/uncle/cousin would have been the one attacked?? I have a feeling you would be wanting it found too.

Friday, Dec 19 at 4:14 PM free bird wrote ...

Who's the idiot that thinks these lions come from cages;(

Friday, Dec 19 at 1:57 AM To Kris wrote ...

wow kris, it's not like the begining of mt lions came about by people creating them in cages. They do really live in the wild in some places. Iowa however, placed mt lions there to help with the deer population

Thursday, Dec 18 at 9:10 PM Marine wrote ...

Frank what happens if that territory includes your backyard and the wrong time, wrong place is your child. I am not for senseless killing but if a wild animal becomes a legitimate danger certain steps must be taken. And Lar does your statement mean your are in support of the death of another human being? These animals are wild, meaning that they were born wild, not released from cages. Check your facts before you speak please.

Sunday, Apr 6 at 10:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

someone commented that the animals should be caged...they have the right to walk around...we are the ones that came into thier territory and took over...they are wild animals who act on instincts not what people tell them to do

Sunday, Apr 6 at 3:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Probably his woman and he is afraid to admit he was beat up by a girl

Saturday, Apr 5 at 10:27 PM Big Bill wrote ...

Too bad Ryan wasn't packing a pistol loaded w/38 special hollowpoint ammo--NO Tracking would be required..

Friday, Mar 14 at 11:24 AM TAS wrote ...

No I don't think they should kill it either, maybe you "Seria Club" liberals need not whatch your kids in the back yard and we'll see if you have a change of heart on this subject!

Friday, Mar 14 at 9:27 AM Dee wrote ...

Since Lar seems to want to teach lions to eat humans I say lets let him be the bait. What an idiot! Move to CA!

Friday, Mar 14 at 9:01 AM kris wrote ...

Why are the mt lions let loose in the first place?? I have a friend whose dogs were attacked and one was killed by a mt lion. They need to keep an eye on them or keep them in a cage. They shouldn't be killing people's animals...

Friday, Mar 14 at 1:46 AM Lar wrote ...

Its too bad the mountain lion didnt prevail

Monday, Mar 10 at 11:52 PM Jordan wrote ...

This story is old news ksfy should get it off there website.

Monday, Mar 10 at 4:55 PM Frank wrote ...

I definitely feel that it would be wrong to kill this cat just becasuse someone stumbled upon his territory. If the cat had been tracking the man it would be differenct but the man stated " he came face to face with a mountain lion with fresh kill in it's mouth". Wrong time, wrong place for bothe of them. Leave the big cat alone.

Monday, Mar 10 at 11:42 AM Anonymous wrote ...

MAYBE IS WAS A VERY MAD CHIPMUNK?

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 6:21 PM concerned dad wrote ...

Frank seems to believe the story is made up. You have a victim who knows the story, so what more do you need Frank? Seems like you are saying this guy is a liar... Dont you believe him?

Tuesday, Mar 4 at 1:23 PM Frank wrote ...

Confirmed? Based on what? The GF&P conducted a full investigation and found no tracks, no blood and cougar dogs could not pick up a scent. The GF&P stated that it was very unusual and had no explanation. So, a nocturnal animal hunted another nocturnal animal (a fox) in broad daylight and instead of going somewhere quiet to eat, decided to go for a stroll on the beach, saw a man, dropped it's prey, attacked the man and after being beat, picked up its prey and left without a trace....

Tuesday, Mar 4 at 10:15 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Confirmed attack? No tracks, no blood, trained cougar hounds can't find a scent and the investigators can't explain why they can't find proof. The victim admitted to have been drinking. The cat had a very rare red fox in it's mouth suggesting that a nocturnal animal caught another nocturnal animal during the day and instead of eating it decided to go for a lakeside stroll and attack a drunk fisherman. Was that before or after the UFO sighting?

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