Family camping in Idaho saves girl from mountain lion
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A family camping in eastern Idaho scared off a mountain lion that tried to snatch their 4-year-old daughter away from a campfire.
Idaho Fish and Game said Saturday that the cougar dropped the girl and left Friday evening after family members yelled at the animal. The child had a few scratches but no other injuries.
The family was camping near Green Canyon Hot Springs east of Rexburg and had spotted the mountain lion in the area earlier that day.
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Fish and Game regional conservation educator Gregg Losinski said such sightings and attacks are unusual.
With the help of a local hound hunter, agency officials tracked the cougar to a tree a few hundred yards from the camp about 2 a.m. Saturday.
Losinski said Madison County Sheriff's deputies killed the animal. Other campers in the area were also alerted.
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Losinski praised the family for its vigilance and quick thinking.