Women survive mountain lion attack on Millcreek Canyon trail

Wildlife officials later found the mountain lion they believe was the one in the attack and euthanized the animal. Photo: Zach Key

SALT LAKE CITY — Two women survived a mountain lion attack in Utah over the weekend that occurred when they were running in a canyon east of Salt Lake City.

The women encountered the mountain lion when they came around a corner on a trail run Sunday morning in Millcreek Canyon, said Faith Jolley, a spokesperson for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The mountain lion leaped at the woman closest to the animal, leaving two puncture wounds on her leg, she said.

They were able to get away and down the mountain after the uninjured woman threw a rock at the mountain lion. The woman’s injuries aren’t considered life-threatening, Jolley said.

Wildlife officials later found the mountain lion they believe was the one in the attack and euthanized the animal.

Jolley said mountain lion attacks are quite rare in this part of Utah.