Erin stopped at the side of the motorway to walk along the Trinity River with her Belgian Shepherd dog Eva. Suddenly, a mountain lion pounced on Erin from behind, digging its claws into her left shoulder. Her dog Eva, who was on the path, was just a few metres from her. Erin screamed and Eva didn’t think twice, she jumped on the mountain lion to fight it.
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The mountain lion bit Eva's head and did not let go. Erin then had the reflex to throw stones at the animal. But the feline would not let go of Eva. Erin had no choice but to go and get help near the highway, leaving her dog alone with the mountain lion for a while.
She finally managed to get help
Sharon lives in the area and saw Erin looking for help. When the young woman explained the situation, Sharon grabbed a PVC pipe and a small can of pepper spray and ran to help. Sharon and Erin then fought the mountain lion. The animal let go of Eva for a second, long enough for Sharon to pull the pepper spray until the feline finally backed off.
Erin immediately took the dog to the vet.
Meanwhile, investigators took DNA samples from her and the dog, which are being analysed at a local lab. Wildlife officials will attempt to capture the mountain lion. The DNA will be used to confirm if it is the same animal.
Important care
Fortunately, Eva recovered and received emergency treatment. The dog is currently at the vet. She has two fractures in her skull, a perforation in her sinus cavity and severe swelling around her left eye, which is affecting her vision. But, the vet is optimistic because the dog is two and a half years old and is otherwise in good shape.
Erin has started a fundraising campaign to help pay for Eva's care.
How brave!
