Mountain lions are known to drag their prey after an attack, often covering bodies with leaves or debris to hide them for later feeding...

17GEN4.com

Mountain lions are known to drag their prey after an attack, often covering bodies with leaves or debris to hide them for later feeding. In a 2024 fatal incident in El Dorado County, California, a mountain lion attacked two brothers searching for shed antlers. The lion dragged the 21-year-old victim, Taylen Brooks, approximately 100 feet through brush before killing him. Deputies later followed a drag trail to the scene where the lion was still crouched over the body. This behavior—dragging victims and hiding them—is typical of mountain lions, which often return to feed on their kills over time.

Other documented cases include a 1994 attack in California where a jogger was dragged 100 feet downhill and covered with leaves. In a 2019 incident in Colorado, a hiker fought off a young mountain lion and was able to escape after a 3-minute struggle, but the lion had initially grabbed his wrist and dragged him off the trail.

While such attacks are extremely rare, mountain lions are powerful predators that may drag humans if they perceive them as prey. Experts emphasize that running is not advised —instead, people should stand their ground, appear larger, and fight back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.

17GEN4.com