Man injured Friday by mountain lion north of Libby

A man was injured Friday morning, May 26, after encountering a mountain lion near Boundary Mountain North of Libby, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Game wardens learned of the man’s minor injuries Saturday morning, and the agency announced the incident Monday in a news release.

The news release states the man “told investigators he was bent over hooking up a chain to drag out a log he’d cut for firewood when he was struck from the side and knocked into a tree. He said he swung at the animal with his arm striking it, and it ran off. He got up and ran to his truck and saw a mountain lion walking back towards the vehicle. He scared the lion off with his truck.”

The man, reported to have superficial scratches to the side of his face and stomach, declined medical attention, the news release states.

Hounds were brought to the scene to track the big cat, the news release states, but even though they hit on a scent their search of several hours came up empty.

A trail camera was placed near where the incident occurred but did not record any images of the mountain lion over the weekend, the news release states.

Authorities say no further action is planned at this time.