A Mountain Lion Tragedy | MeatEater Podcast

[@vanillathundr24]

The dad’s body language is heart breaking. Prayers to this family

[@nash.fuller]

Saddest thing I think I've seen on here I felt his pain it was very clear.i can not imagine what he's going through in this moment.

[@benwilde4337]

Amen! 🙏🏻

[@DamonLightfoot]

Exactly my thoughts, I live and hunt in Montana, have 3 young boys I'm teaching to hunt among the growing numbers of grizzlies, this breaks my heart. If this ever happened to one of mine, I don't think I could ever have the courage to go on camera and talk about it. This father has true strength to be able to talk about this and educate, not only other hunters, but the general public on the importance of smart conservation laws in regards to large predators. God bless him and his family.

[@Deanna-k4i]

Cannot say anything 😢❤

[@FarmerTanTerror]

It definitely adds a layer of realization that simply listening to the podcast doesn’t deliver. Very humbling.

[@4d_cards]

God bless Y’all. Wyatt, please don’t burden your life with “did I do enough for my brother?” You’re clearly a fighter, just live your best life and when you meet your brother in heaven, he’ll greet you with a smile.

[@Delmiester]

@@JDJONES1 dude, go troll somewhere else. You don’t know anything about the situation, let alone enough to tell him he didn’t do enough. Unless you’re in that moment you can’t comment on anything.

[@GM-yq5wk]

@@Delmiesterthank you for that comment!! I lost my Son my other son his brother is a mess we r fed up of people saying what’s best they don’t understand x Thkz again 😢

[@BartekBucher]

Man, Steve asked the tough questions but impressive work by Cal here to be so comforting.

[@Birdman5961]

Cal is the best

[@SB-eu3gc]

Let’s all pray for this beautiful family. As the young man was telling his story I can see the dad keeping his eyes and face hidden as he hears the horrific story again about his son dying and his other son almost dying. I almost died once. When I retell that story in front of my dad he dries. Stay strong guys. God is with you. Praying for you.

[@Verlisify]

Expert handling of this from the crew. Really tried so slowly make them comfortable and switch to questions if it got too hard

[@nicmac3347]

I was just thinking the same thing well done you guys.

[@alllstr30]

Yaa...I almost feel like if that dad didn't want to do it or couldn't do it he should have just said no.. thats why you carry even though your state is a piece of sh!t..not really your state..the liberals running your state..phuck them

[@SouthernColoradoWildlife]

Prayers for this family. Class act in handling this podcast by MeatEater. This is why you are THE best podcast or company out there. Thank you!

[@bradm4493]

Steve’s so good at keeping the conversation flowing. The way he handled this whole discussion was extremely impressive.

[@TheFlanman10]

Normally I can get annoyed with how he man handles guests but I would agree he did a fine job keeping it as upbeat and flowing as possible.

[@rifleman1873]

Heartbreaking story. Such a great family. I hope y’all can find peace.

[@MrKeeblertree]

I asked a hunting mentor at 11 years old why he took a pistol when just scouting and hiking in the off season. He said he asked the same question at my age and the older gentleman at camp said, "never go in the woods without a gun". Always stuck with me...

[@titomish5914]

No doubt

[@Keepitoriginalministry]

I'm a city boy that just bought land in the wilderness. Hogs, mountain lions and I just got two pictures of what looks like Bigfoot seriously

[@DaveWitham-td8lj]

Did anyone try and hunt down the lion?

[@LadyGeckoFoot]

I'm nearly always armed. Rabies is not uncommon where I live, and a rabid adult raccoon or coyote will make you reevaluate your priorities.

[@ryanwagner6803]

@@Keepitoriginalministrycan you share the photos of suspected Bigfoot? Interested

[@mosdeclassified1462]

This type of subject is what sets this podcast apart from the rest. Thanks Everyone for sharing. GodBless🙌

[@alexandercluster3003]

I have to say with all respect it took a lot of bravery to talk about this. I honestly couldn’t finish this one. It’s to hard to think of the actual event but not just that what a difference ANY kind of weapon would of made. Prayers to this boy and his family.

[@bryceleach2329]

Im local to the area where the attack occurred. It infuriated me when it happened because the mountain lion population up here is leading to nightly livestock killings and the cries for state agencies to change legislation has fell on deaf ears.

[@moreawakenow6940]

Cuz they are the enemy and men are to dumb to see it!

[@glock4014]

Why would they even walk up there without a side aim

[@Billofrights-qt9dr]

​@@glock4014Somewhat irrelevant. Would you expect women and children in the area to take a sidearm every time they leave the house? This is a problem of animal management.

[@glock4014]

@ if you live around wild life of that nature you keep a side arm in reach at all times stay combat ready

[@dorothylewis1207]

@Billofrightsqt9dr, Yes all should carry teach the Whole Family how to handle a Weapon.

[@vica153]

Smaller juvenile cat treated 2 mostly grown males like the easiest meal it ever had. As someone who has spent lots of time alone or as a pair in mountain lion territory, this unlocked a new fear thinking that any average lion is going to make easy work of me or even me and someone else. Stay armed anytime you're out there.

[@scoodles93]

Sounds like he froze and watched his brother die. Didn’t try to choke it out. Stab it. Smash it with a log or rock. Just tried to tug at it?? Wtf

[@vica153]

@@scoodles93 Indeed, though suggesting to choke a 90lb cat makes me think you don't really understand/appreciate the physical makeup of the predator. It sounds like he was instantly in shock and wasn't capable of doing anything. Had he stuck around it's likely the cat would have simply killed him too once the other brother had been dead for a minute. I like to think I would have fought with the cat more, but that sort of action may has just resulted in both brothers being dead. I imagine the survivor is going to need a lot of therapy for a long time.

[@johnhaudenshield3746]

@@scoodles93since you’re so confident your act/reacte any differently….watch this starting around 3:15.

[@mrcreeper479]

@@johnhaudenshield3746 well anyone going out with at least a knife is honestly asking for stuff like this to happen, if he had a knife while we was on top of that lion choking it, things could've turned out way different

[@kirkdunn1379]

most rambo critics freeze like an ice cube in tough moments, have heard it a thousand times of tough guys willowing into fetal position whe shit hits the fan.....a predator in the wild that kills for meals daily while we drive to mc donalds....the speed in which these situations happens is so foreign for a human to even comprehend.....strength of even a 90lb cat might as well be a silverback this cat was eating no matter what, it was the intended purpose the whole time a physco racoon would give most all they can handle

[@nmelkhunter1]

I’m throughly impressed by the strength shown by these guys. God bless.

[@anikacarterby744]

My heart still breaks for the family. Thank you Meateater podcast for having them on the podcast. As a native Californian it truly means a lot

[@dwightlindahl1765]

That poor dad. He told them about that spot if I'm understanding it correctly? The gut wrenching sorrow, guilt and anguish permeates the room. As a father and grandpa, the heart hurts for the dad. With only one brother, can not fathom the complexities of the emotional terrain this kid will have to navigate. It is incomprehensible. Crew did a great service on an impossible, highly improbable, tragic, surreal situation. The uncle was a great mediator, with a depth of knowledge and ability to communicate when it is way past the father and son dealing with something so far past reality for any of us. Kid did a d@m good job holding it together. No chance I could've done that. Cal is like an uncle we all wish we had. D@mnation that was a rough one to watch, but worth it. Thoughts and prayers!

[@Timbomelb27]

I witnessed a friend drown in a rafting accident. Survivors guilt haunted me for years, it made no sense and I knew it but it persisted. Love to this family. Time will heal even this.

[@rickbrickles1410]

I pray in silence for the family to heal and may peace return in your lives. It is a struggle - We lost our son when he was 25 - it takes years for the healing process to begin. And you can never forget that the natural order has been broken. Remain strong…. It is difficult but the love between you all will always be your mortar keeping your spirits filled with hope. God’s Blessings

[@lennyrivera2366]

So sad, especially for the Dad .My prayers go out to him and all the family..

[@mrbean4414]

Thank you Steve for your tenderness with the family. This is why I love your podcast

[@susiebennett6953]

Wow what courage for Wyatt and Aaron❤. Can't imagine...... Wyatt you had Gods grace on you during that interview. Thank you for coming forward. Off Hwy 88 in Pioneer Lions are reported to be in the decks of homes fearless.... something has to be done

[@COCOCALINUT]

Great Episode, I live in EDC about 5 miles from this family. This was a huge sadness to the whole community. This family is well known and liked in the county..I hope people listen to this episode and realize what a problem large predators are becoming in this area. You are 100% correct about the bears taking lion kills I see it all the time. Bears in this area have become a huge problem as well. Not only a problem but in the last 6-8 yrs. Bears and cats are losing there fear of humans. When dogs were allowed in the take of bears. A dog could bark and a bear would run and not stop. These days on a weekly basis bears come on my property if my dogs are locked up the bears do what they want. I frequently will come out with a spotlight shining it in their eyes and yelling most of the time there not even fazed they might walk off to the nearest brush and Hideout till I'm back in the house. If I do Let Dogs Out it has to be at least three the Bears will usually try to fight one dog sometimes two over a food source. These days I see several Bears a month when it's warm. When we were allowed the use of dogs to take bears I would never see any bears unless it was hunting season and they were up a tree. I think it's very hard to get accurate numbers out of biologist. Where this tragedy took place they started a Facebook page. Eldorado county Mountain lion sightings. This page gives accurate detailed information on just how many Lions we have and how much livestock are being taken by lions and bears. The Lions are getting to be just as common as the Bears. Like the Bears the Lions have lost Their Fear of humans and dogs. Years ago I was told there was one lion per 5 square miles. If I had to guess now it would probably be around 4 maybe more up until a few years ago I would see one every couple of years. Now I see them pretty frequently. The scary part is I see three or four adult cats together. I believe it's because of the Bears. they lose so much of their kills to bears they are hunting in Prides like African lions. I believe our County had more people during the gold rush then it does now. So I don't believe it's human population increase. Living in the populated cities people find it hard to comprehend. It's different than seeing it every day and it effecting kids, pets, livestock, and the way you would normally do things. I hope people realize that just because it's not happening in there city doesn't mean it's not happening. This will be one of more tragedies to come if something's not done soon.

[@jimmybaits6744]

Agreed. Very well said my family has lived in EDC for 5 generations and I know exactly what you’re talking about. Bring back the cat tag!

[@moreawakenow6940]

WE MUST! Hunt and hound again EDC!

[@caseG80]

If your seeing multiple cats together it’s a mother with offspring they will stay with the mother or a breeding pair these cats don’t form prides and will steal each other’s meals not hunt together

[@COCOCALINUT]

@caseG80 this picture was within a few miles of were this young man was attacked. These look like 4 adult cats not juveniles hunting with mom..

[@slimvickins5059]

From nearby Amador County. My dad recently found a freshly buried deer partially sticking out of ground on our family property….just 20 yards away from the swim hole I take my daughters to swim. This really hits home and my heart goes out to this family. 🙏

[@kimcwhite6509]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I had a scary encounter with an almost mountain lion sized bobcat. I usually walked down our country driveway to get the paper, but this day I drove. When I got to where the road meets the driveway & saw this huge bobcat staring at me. I stood on my running board and clapped & made noise. Like Wyatt explained, it just stared & didn't flinch. I honked my horn & it still had its eyes locked on me. I drove down the road a little, turned around going back to my driveway. By then it was on my property. I called a neighbor of a large ranch next door & he said another neighbor was feeding 3 bobcats! No wonder it wasn't scared of me. I used to hike on my property for shed antlers, but quit because I could feel the mountain lions were there. Like Wyatt stated, it's weird to see a lion lock eyes on you. They don't even blink. I'm thankful I didn't walk that day.

[@Billofrights-qt9dr]

I know people don't like to inform on their neighbors and I don't either, but in this circumstance I would have to tell wildlife control that this guy's feeding mountain lions. That's insane! That's creating a huge danger for you and your family.

[@saltpeter7429]

Had fish & game come and help me with my bear issue a few years back, they hooked me up with an electric fence for around my shed, it worked. They told me that an older, wealthy, dingbat up the road from me was feeding the bears. He and his wife liked to out out food for them and video them as they ate. Kind of ticks me off a bit. They dont have any concern for the people who live around here and have small children who play outside. Fish & Game said they couldnt do anything about it unless they caught them red handed.

[@jespken2]

This cast is the best info cast I’ve ever listened to. Well done👍

[@liza-marie89]

Omw. I'm so sorry for your loss. You guys are beautiful. And I just want to say, you are a great kid- so don't ask "Could I have done more". I lost 10 years of my life asking that question, blaming myself. Please learn from us who walked that road, life is short, and it's a truly excruciating way to waste time- It's really not worth it. At the end of that time, the only thing you've learned was that it was not your fault and thank God for the time I got to spend with this beautiful person. So honour your brother, never forget him, tell everyone about him, and just appreciate that he was your brother.

[@az8405]

Thanks for sharing. This seems very important to be heard by as many people as possible. Hopefully Rogan can talk to them after the Times article comes out so a different audience can be reached too.

[@kevinsummers7155]

God Bless that family, tough tough tough thing for a father and brother to have to endure.

[@tammyhollandsworth6783]

I had heard about these two brothers that faced a mountain lion. You always hear that throwing up your arms and yelling at them is suppose to keep them from attacking. Makes you wonder why this lion felt threatened by two young men. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother/son. I can’t even imagine how you must of felt that day . Our hearts go out to you and your family. ❤

[@mattk8810]

It was hungry

[@danbrent4618]

God Bless you Wyatt, it will get better with time! You did everything correctly! My brother Jeff Brent, was the best Lion Guide and Biologist in the West he just died, I grew up and my whole family hunted Lions. Paul Carol, Manuel, Dave Brent and Jim Brent! My Dads Mule was Cadillac Kate! No hunting, problems,, Hunting no problems, Dan Brent

[@TheActiontkr]

I live in WA next where a man was killed by A ML while on his bike a couple of years ago. Just this year next to me a group of women biking were attacked and survived. I trail run and have two bear sprays when I run. I feel so sorry for the boy and his family.

[@vkevpe]

So sorry for your brother and your son. What a powerful story and what am impressive young man. Good for you! Again, I’m so sorry.

[@AaronFridrich]

Continued prayers for the Brooks family and all involved in this tragedy.

[@JamesWalker-ng1qh]

Man, what a story. I don't know if I could have been any one of those family members and have been able to hold it together. So sorry for your loss.

[@jaredgreen502]

I am a fan of Painted Horses & Cloudmaker by Malcom. I read them because of him being a guest of yours. This is great having family on to talk about this. You all did a great job. Prayers for your family.

[@thomasjml82]

This is really my first time listening to this. My dad was a big fan. My grandfather has been a hunter his entire life. He has a hundred stories. He’s been stalked by a cougar. Been doing wildlife conservation for decades. Mostly California bighorn sheep. I wonder if you’d like to have him on.

[@Burkholder1994]

Was working out in the Oregon coast range a few weeks ago and a hunter had gotten a photo of one right next to a FS gate. We found scat signs and ran into something out in one of the meadows we were weed whacking. Tree shook, got a growl, co worker and I backed out and just left for the day. Boss thinks it was a black bear but I just felt like we'd have seen a bear. Think we ended up disturbing a napping lion and it just gave us a " back off " growl.

[@jacobogilvie7180]

Presented very well and with a high level of professionalism...

[@Eric-dr5bj]

These attack stories are hard to listen to at times but alot can be learned about the incident and the situation that caused it.

[@hptubez21]

This story tears me up in all sorts of ways. I feel blessed doing the hunting I do in the Southeast where these incidents don’t happen with such large predators.

[@DSTAYDOP343V3R]

These guys are just rich kids on private land n shit 😂😂they aint real hunter that's why this happened rich kids walking underused land with no firearms because of bad mountain skills .no tools like a gun 🔫

[@dacultivator5725]

Georgetown resident here. Prayers to the family. ❤

[@aguyUsingTheWeb]

Heartbreaking story. Thanks to Cal for the laughs because listening to this is brutal. Prayers up for their family.

[@Strider916]

I used to work construction in placerville and security in el dorado. the fact that I’ve probably driven past these people or walked past them in a store really hits home. I remember hearing about this in the news so it really hits home. RIP

[@neilking2754]

What a mature honest beautiful family. I respect the whole approach to this personal yet complex issue. I had a friend that realized a lion was 10 yds away, flattened and crouched in the weeds. He was elk hunting, with rifle at ready. The lion sprang and he shot it while in the air. This was on middle Salmon River Idaho.

[@pelawler15]

Thats insane. Ive had many instances hunting where something just didnt seem right. Always wondered if it was a mountain lion looking at me. Made me so uncomfortable I just had to leave the area. Im always looking around and up in trees. it will increase your chances of survival if that day ever comes.

[@philipanderson9070]

I am a cougar attack survivor. 1996 in the Olympic National Park. I would love to share my story. Privately. I owe you. Becase if you i got a Roosevelt elk my first day of my first hunt. I was able to process the animal fully based on your videos.

[@DSTAYDOP343V3R]

Congratulations man but these guys are like rich boy hunters man 😂😂they only hunt private and they got every advantage possible 😂😂they like fisherman who fish stocked ponds it's just different man but I'm happy you got into hunting and learned..

[@Blue_Collar_Colonizer_1776]

​@@DSTAYDOP343V3R so someone thanking them for advice made you feel the need to try to shit on them? Fucking weird bro. Here's the thing tho. A wild animal on private land is still a wild animal. Being on private land doesn't guarantee success. Especially if it's one of these huge ranches that are like 30k acres. And they definitely didn't start out rich in life and that's when they cut their teeth hunting. How fucking dare they become successful over time. Those bastards. But here's the question. Does anything you said invalidate whatever advice the guy picked up on to help him harvest an elk? Or did you just feel like taking the opportunity to sound like a dickhead for absolutely no reason? Other than maybe jealousy. IDK why else.

[@tylor7569]

It’s heart breaking to see the dad’s demeanor the entire podcast. You can tell that’s he’s going through it.

[@coreydavis7810]

Thanks for sharing this experience and the intelligent balanced discussion about predator management and conservation. It reinforces the importance of having good ethical hunters afield, combined with smart wildlife biologists plugged in from a regulatory perspective. That combination always seems to work well (favoring all constituents)...

[@danielnegrete9967]

I give the family so much respect, it’s hard to hold grudges against human nature. Blessings to his brother and I hope he’s watching over the family.❤

[@ntreff]

23:35 I have to comment on the cat population of Cali. From what I’ve seen, and have studied and been informed by the dept of fish and wildlife biologists here. There is a big problem on the horizon. My understanding is that since dogs have been outlawed for bear hunting. A lot of people are not targeting/ hunting bears anymore. They get tags just be legal if they have to take a bear. But it’s not usually the primary in most circumstances. Yes, there still are some bear hunters and guide services. On average, the cats take about a deer a week now that can be 7-10-14 days depending on some variables. Packs, singles etc. But the cats don’t finish their meal, so they bury the carcass. Now the bears have a better nose than the cats and they will dig up the carcass and splurge especially in the fall and spring. They’ll eat everything and sometimes the bears eat so much they vomit. I’ve seen it. Well now the cats go to feed and their kill has been dug up spoiled and ravished by the trash pandas. So now, the cats have to kill double to triple the amount of deer. No one is hunting the cats. Very little people are hunting the bear, and everyone is still hunting the deer. The cat population is exploding and the bear population is exploding. The deer population is in massive decline and they are being pressured from everyone. Including the wildfires/habitat, droughts, diseases etc. It’s nuts.

[@0onsk_ttv291]

Prayers and thoughts to this family man. I’m from New Zealand and this hurts I have a brother and couldn’t bare to loose him especially in a way such as this. What a warrior you are Wyatt head should be held high mate not much men in the world can go through that and have the heart to tell the story afterwards

[@BigWaveStudio]

I thought i was about to hear a story of two brothers surviving a mountain lion attack, to learn that one died is absolutely gut wrenching. God bless this family and may the family find peace to continue on in the fallen brother’s name. My condolences 🙏🏽

[@tbabajan]

Thank you for getting this information out there. Sucks to see such a young man lose his life for nothing. I grew up running bobcats and gray squirrels with hounds. Now it’s just squirrel and fox for me. I’ve called in 3 lions while turkey hunting Northern California. I guide bear hunts up here as well and we’re constantly getting lions on our trail cams. Both the bear and lion populations are out of control.

[@DanHarpool]

I don't hunt, but I enjoy your podcast and topics.

[@michaelwhite8801]

Unit 3 north idaho a big healthy male approached me while parked at a saddle at my truck when getting ready to hike for mushrooms. I had a rifle because bear season was open. He walked out in the saddle and at first I was just amazed to see one and taken back by how muscular it was . It stopped broad side at 10 yards or soand looked at me like do we have a problem here. that was the moment It clicked I had a sportsman's pack in my pocket which includes a lion tag , don't know if he had intentions to come closer or not but the second it clicked in my head that was a legal game animal I shouldered my rifle and shot it behind the shoulder it jumped and flipped and spun off into some thick brush and died. had it checked at fish and game and took it to the taxidermist it was 8 foot 3 inches long from tip to tail. This was in a popular place for casual folks to hike and camp and bike . I had just pulled up in a diesel and had just gotten out he had to have heard and seen me pull up. There was no fear in that cat and we can hunt the shit out of them a tag in every sportsman's pack. It really surprised me because I'm an avid outdoors man that hikes deep and steep my whole life and had only ever seen 1 cat and that was at dusk one slinked thru the tall grass of a power line 25 years ago.

[@kylemacdonell1450]

Good job, sounds like your a practiced rifleman as well !!! Excellent !

[@coleclark7508]

I live in unit 3 I’m a solo hunter this is the reason my head is always on a swivel and my hand is always in my pistol, they’re different here in Idaho too much timber and thick brush it’s dense and even hound hunters have a hard time, the animals up here are just built different

[@backwoodsgeorgiagirl5594]

You also have to take into account there are 8 billion people on Earth. Ask Google when will the earth have more people than it can sustain. The answer is surprising.

[@Mayfitz]

Whats unit 3? A psychiatric ward floor of a hospital?​@@coleclark7508

[@tvalkyrie]

See what happens when the "Bunny huggers" take charge?!!! Game management is necessary.Bless this Family & Thanks for bringing this issue to the fore front! 💕

[@beavs627]

Had a juvenile cat sneak up on me in Idaho. I was working and camping in the LoLo area and just happened to look to my right and 10’ away the 90-100lb cat was crouched. I jumped at it and it took off. Makes me rethink that encounter. I am not small so I wonder if I was if it would have gone down different or if I had my back to the creek instead of angled….

[@nateb4543]

Or if it were 1 year later and the cat was big and confident enough to have a go at you. Wow, scary stuff

[@likemike1695]

Just know if you have no weapons and get into a fight with a mountain lion.you will lose.

[@kylemacdonell1450]

@@likemike1695 That would depend on the person.....

[@likemike1695]

@@kylemacdonell1450 I hear you I saw a story of a man strangling a mountain lion to death. but every situation is different. I don’t like any man’s chances vs full grown cat

[@likemike1695]

@@kylemacdonell1450 you know they are built to go for your neck . Not a fun fight

[@thewildlifer]

I worked on jobs in the 70s and 80s with an electrician who was a champion turkey caller, hunter (about a dozen grand slams) and author. Him and his brother, an electrician as well, would be calling to each other throughout the houses. Dick and Dwain Bland. Dwain’s book was Turkey Hunter’s Digest.

[@Terpedup925]

I live in California. Started hunting 2 years ago. Every where I go I find lion tracks and scat but never physically see them. I’m always on alert when in the field. And I always carry a big ass knife when archery hunting because California won’t let you carry a side arm during archery hunting deer but if you don’t have a deer tag on you and only a bear tag(while archery hunting) you CAN have a side arm. Make no sense at all.

[@andreww402]

That’s insane

[@johnnyceasar211]

​@@andreww402 That's California

[@georgelewis9729]

Carry both tags..you still have the right to protect yourself in the National Forest..I’ll take my chances in court..

[@Terpedup925]

@@georgelewis9729 yea I hear what you are saying. I’m getting to that point where I rather be caught with it than with out it. But technically you can have a deer tag on you at all if you want to carry a side arm while archery hunting that is until general season starts. It’s for archery season.

[@moreawakenow6940]

Carry a pocket fisherman. Then you can carry!

[@DonRhoten]

What an absolutely tragic story.

[@gregmulfort9577]

Can't imagine losing a big brother or a son in this way. Was hard watching the Dad when Wyatt told the story. I wish their family finds some peace.

[@hendu7111]

Man, could you imagine? In my calm and cool thoughts from my office, I tell myself that I would have booted that lion on its head if it was on top of my brother but I wasn't there in his shoes. But man, what a heart breaking story. I bet he re-lives the situation in his mind and thinking about different scenarios and things he could have done to save him. At least I know I would, and it would probably haunt my thoughts to my grave. I hope not and I hope he finds peace. He seems like a great kid.

[@daveh9080]

Yeah I know what you mean. But it’s easy to say you would punch or kick a mountain lion, but most likely that wouldn’t do anything. Punch a 100lb dog and see how useless your punch is. Maybe a kick to the nose might do something but even then, our fists and legs are pretty useless in defense, especially against a full grown mountain lion, just a ball of muscle, prob break your fist on his body and just piss it off. I hope this kid doesn’t hold himself accountable for what happened.

[@samuelorozco255]

Not to mention he was bit in the freaking face.

[@JDJONES1]

My god. Men in this country are toast.

[@scythefokker3408]

​@JDJONES1 it's a bit of a stretch to call this boy a man, IMHO. Until I've had half my face torn open and then get a mountain lion's jaws off from around another person's throat I'm gonna keep from claiming "I would have done this or that"

[@mthrofwntr]

Heavy, but hopefully for good in sharing with others. ❤

[@frankjerardenno2678]

Condolences ❤ on your loss,prayers for your family ✌🏾so sorry little friend now he's your guardian angel ❤

[@shanetomlinson561]

Wow! I can't imagine the srength it takes to rehash an experience like that in front of an audience, and to maintain your composure throughout the retelling. What a strong young man. What an awesome family. I'm sorry for your loss, but sharing this will hopefully help prevent any future incidents.

[@Ryhunts]

Malcolm seems very wise on a lot of the topics. I'm an avoid outdoorsman, and since 2018, I've seen 12 mountain lions here I the NW corner of Oregon..5 last summer. One of the five ran right by me while i was on a gated logging road. I was unsure why it ran to and right by?! I was walking back to the truck at 2:30pm when I stopped to glass. I was there for a couple of mins when I heard something running in the gravel. I wasn't sure where it was coming from. I turned around real quick and saw nothing. By the time I turned back around, the cat was coming straight at me. I only had a split second to step to the side and start to swing bow at it as it went by me. It ran into the thick reprod forest. I was shaking. So I said screw this I'm out of here! I began to walk fast and with my pistol drawn down the road. Look forward and back as I was going. I made it about half of a mile down the road when two more cats walked out in front of me at about 100yds. I fired two shots and cats ran off and down another skid road. Oregon has a serious issue, and ODFW is afraid to admit it. We have a cap on how many cats can be harvest in a year...but I'm curious on how many of those are deportation harvest...

[@justsnuggle]

His description of the cat approaching them is terrifying, reminiscent of the Terminator coming after you that's bullets are glancing off its armor

[@grayantihero6059]

Bullets wouldnt be glancing off that kitty meat popsicle.

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

I really hope this young man finds a way to grieve for his brother and process this whole ordeal. I can’t imagine what this would be like to go through…

[@jwardelz]

Prayers to the family. ❤

[@Oregonhunter-s8l]

As a hunter in the extremely Left Wing PNW, this story saddens and infuriates me at the same time. If the legislators making these laws would spend some time out in the field, and possibly have an encounter with a predator, I bet it would scare them enough to rethink their position on predator control. This is the reason why I ALWAYS carry a sidearm whether I'm archery or rifle hunting. I feel so sad for the family. The father looks lost, and I can't imagine how a parent goes on day to day after losing a child. Hopefully we don't need to lose anymore people due to uneducated bureaucrat's stupid anti-hunting agenda.

[@moreawakenow6940]

Agenda 2030 they call it

[@jaredsmith2092]

We've had a rash of attacks in WA state in recent years... yet they don't let you hunt the gmu's where you'd be most likely to shoot Cougars. In and around Tri Cities has alot of big cats

[@nateb4543]

I wish we could point the finger solely at those in charge. But it's more disheartening to know the ban on hounds and baiting was voted on by the people. Just like measure 114 in Oregon (super restrictive gun control). It's our neighbors who decided this fate

[@natlovell122]

@@nateb4543I dunno. I live in Commiefornia and I feel like even if things are voted on by the people, it can easily be overturned by courts and politicians. Just look at gay marriage in this state.

[@jackiemoon7559]

Laws should go out the window when you have a lion stalking you!If it gets within 15 feet from you & is still moving forward,you should be able to legally kill the threat!

[@vica153]

I have brothers and this story nearly brought me to tears imagining it happening to me. It's mind boggling that he left his brother. Even though the brother was likely dead as soon the cat latched onto his neck. I guess he has accepted that there was nothing he could do, but that guilt would haunt me.

[@Willowcreek19]

I originally commented by telling a mtn lion story. Then he started telling his story. Years ago I lost my brother in the woods one day. He was 16 and I was 19. There are no words to explain the emotions going thru something like that but I know exactly how he feels just by the sound in his voice. It's a memory that plays like a movie on repeat. Hang in there man. Surround yourself with the right people and you'll be okay. He'll be with you always.

[@yippikiyay197]

How do we get to see the photos?

[@likemike1695]

Seek help bro!

[@yippikiyay197]

@@likemike1695 wat

[@triplehelper6944]

I couldn’t watch anymore. Hopefully the family recovers. Sorry for your loss

[@Ok-bv2kk]

I can’t imagine ever going into the forest without a gun, mace or at least a knife. Such a sad story

[@brianladd1370]

Millions of people recreate in the woods daily without carrying a weapon. I had a cougar encounter this year while elk hunting and if the cat chose to attack, I would have been toast regardless of carrying a firearm. When its your time to go, there isn’t much you can do.

[@ryanwagner6803]

@@brianladd1370even bear spray would probably deter an attack

[@grayantihero6059]

​@@brianladd1370just gotta keep your head on a swivel...and carry a weapon.

[@ryancamp3414]

Prayers for this Family!!

[@peten6691]

Very tough subject. You guys handled it well.

[@Shooter_Mcgavin93]

The mountain lion population in California is out of control

[@TiredAmerican247]

100%. It’ll be a fight to hunt them again but it’ll happen. Lots of hunters and game wardens all agree.

[@handlehandleton]

And the state will say you don't have the data to say that, while refusing to gather the data.

[@TiredAmerican247]

@@handlehandleton they have the data

[@brianmeen2158]

Gotta be honest I’m happy to hear that a wild animal species is growing in number .. usually we only hear when the numbers are dangerously low

[@LeadingPaws]

57:42 paused it here and you can see all three peoples eyes locked onto that phone, knowing there’s something very hard to see there.

[@smashtoad]

God bless this family.

[@ArchersMuscle]

God bless this family and community

[@Mark-si7tf]

Hey, I read " Painted Horses" I didn't know that was you. One of my favorites.

[@jamesrobinson5123]

Man, heartbreaking episode

[@bonniejtoomey]

Prayers for the family and hope for common sense approaches to models for management for various wildlife areas and the people who live and hunt there.

[@votive7478]

Fucking hell. I lost my brother a few years back and that was hard, i cant even imagine seeing it happen in such a horrific manner. I hope these guys are doing alright. What a nightmare.

[@Coppersaguaro]

I heard about this story when it happened and it stuck with me. Such a tragedy. I work alone in southern oregon on a large property and I’m always aware of predators around me. Have seen many cat tracks on the trails. Hope the family can heal.

[@jamesgranderson2890]

Heartbreaking. I feel so bad for this family.😥

[@DSTAYDOP343V3R]

Rich kids hunting private untouched land with no weapons 😂😂😂I can't think of anything less Californian in my mind 😂😂😂like this story is just some city boy shit unfortunately .

[@aaronjenkins2135]

I live in that same county as the family. I’ve seen a mountain lion run across the road in a residential area a few years back .where the houses are only on quarter acre half acre lots. About 25 minutes south of the attack. A friend who lives in shingle springs close are has a neighbor on a 5 acre lot who’s goats keep getting killed by lions.

[@rockerbob949]

I’m from Southern California and we got mountain lions down here for sure but I’ve also spent time living up in Bozeman Montana and Homer, Alaska and moose grizzly bear, Elk, wolves are all wildlife that can end a life.

[@handlehandleton]

Are mountain lions being effectively managed anywhere? I know Oregon gives out two tags a year for like 20 bucks. In California I'm pretty sure each lion gets assigned a public defender when its born. The difference between California and Oregon management is insane when you consider the differences in size and geography.

[@pwr2al4]

Steve did a great job here

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

My coworker who also happens to be my friend's daughter knows these boys. She speaks highly of them. Very sad, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@EdgarSanchez-nd3pq]

A lot of mountain lions I’ve seen recently . The area in California I would hunt is ghost town now . Seen two mountain lions on that mountain just yesterday.

[@fishduckdog]

Thanks for this Podcast! Great job to all on this show! Unbelievable! These big predators that are being populated around the states were that way for a reason. People didn't want them near their family or livestock. Now Scientists think they are only there to keep these animals in check, but it's much more than that. Sad.

[@ratta_tat]

Here in rural Packwood, WA the cats numbers have increased. It's caused a lot of problems with folks here in the valley that raise livestock. If you've never seen what these beautiful death machines can do you'd be shocked. We have seen them during the day too many times. Its not good.

[@moreawakenow6940]

Is your sheriff hiring more trappers?

[@conk8636]

Weird was just up around tatoosh area. Seems the elk population has increased a bit. Probably because of the private property increasing? Sense of safety? Haven’t seen a cat around there, but know they’re around .

[@olenwalstead7900]

This is a horrible reality. Living ing Oregon in 96, when the laws were passed. I thought it would take 20 years to start seeing this in a mass level. Why is this up to voters. College educated biologists should be making his decisions, not the bleeding heart uninformed population of a major city.

[@Brandon-qy4rs]

When does the story start?

[@JohnBQuinn-mk2vf]

Not sure I'm going to be able to make it though this one. Heartbreaking. I feel so bad for this family.

[@KC-7mm]

Man this is sad to hear I feel terrible for the family. I live in nor cal there’s definitely a problem with cats I tend to worry more about bears as I’ve had multiple run in’s. I’ll be thinking about this story next time I’m out hunting.

[@PNWWildlifeAndMushrooms]

My condolences and rest easy to the young man. That being said please remember you aren’t the only hunter out there and should always treat it that way out there

[@Rancanfish]

I've lived in S. coastal Oregon now for 3 years. I've had a mountain lion appear above me while cleaning out my boat, maybe 30 feet away. A couple of days later my neighbor found a deer kill. A week or so later my neighbor's grown daughter was walking around their property, cooling off after a run and came face to face with one. She ran. Luckily that didn't trigger the lion. My buddy that lives a couple of miles away on the same side of the road as me said last week that the small bear that was raiding his fruit trees has been replaced with a 'huge' black bear. When I first moved in a small black bear ran up the slope after we came face to face around my truck. I don't go the 500' feet to my mailbox without a pistol. We haven't heard the last story like this. Blessings to this family.

[@johnhancock7746]

As someone who lived in socal, I think they could care less about rural individuals and ranchers as they feel intellectually better and more intitetled. It is honestly, "if it doesn't affect me I don't care how it impacts you"