SLO man breaks mountain lion’s neck. Or does he?

February 8, 2016

UPDATE:  Mountain lion attack story determined to be a hoax

“Robin Olson of San Luis Obispo claimed he was attacked by a mountain lion Saturday afternoon while hiking in Prefumo Canyon.

Upon further investigation, his claim has been determined to be a hoax.” [KSBY]

 

Original article: A San Luis Obispo man and former NCAA wrestler fought off a mountain lion that attacked him Saturday evening near a Prefumo Canyon hiking trail. The mountain lion died in the struggle. [KSBY]

Robin Olson was hiking with his son around 5:30 p.m. They wandered off the trail and came in contact with a mountain lion.

Olson told his son to run away, he said. Olson tried to avoid the mountain lion, but the animal lunged at him and started attacking.

The former wrestler grabbed the mountain lion’s neck. He held onto the cat’s neck as it was scratching him, Olson said.

During the struggle, Olson broke the mountain lion’s neck, killing it instantly. He left with numerous scratches on his body.

Olson said he regrets what happened and that he loves animals. He said he just happened to be in the mountain lion’s space by accident.

His experience should be a lesson to other hikers to stay on the trails, he said.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife instructs hikers not to run if they come in contact with a mountain lion. Rather than running, hikers should make noise and try to look big by waving their arms.