Mountain Lion Attacks Woman Hiking in Central California [View All]

[CShine]

A woman was attacked by a mountain lion while hiking in central California, but was rescued when her friends stabbed the animal with a knife and threw rocks at it, officials said. Shannon Parker suffered deep lacerations to her right thigh and injuries to her eyes during Saturday's attack, said Steve Martarano, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game. Parker, 27, of Santa Monica, was transferred to UCLA Medical Center, where she underwent reconstructive surgery Sunday morning, Martarano said. Parker's family asked UCLA not to release her condition, hospital spokeswoman Rachel Shampeau said.

Authorities said Parker was hiking with three male friends about 20 miles north of Kernville when the 70-pound female lion attacked her, Martarano said. The lion ran off after Parker's friends stabbed it and threw rocks at it.

The lion left a bloody trail as it fled, and was later shot and killed by U.S. Forest Service officers and state game wardens, Martarano said.

The lion "appeared to be emaciated" and officials will do a necropsy Monday to determine whether it was sick or injured, Martarano said.

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