Cyclist’s Survival: Courageous Friends Defend Against Mountain Lion Attack

Terrifying Encounter:

In a harrowing incident last month on February 17th, Keri Bergere, an avid cyclist, faced a life-threatening encounter with a young male mountain lion while riding with her friends. As she rode amidst her group, a sudden attack left her pinned to the ground, the cougar’s jaws clamped onto her face. Despite the shock, Bergere’s survival was ensured by the quick and selfless actions of her four companions, all fellow competitive cyclists.

Courageous Response:

Annie Bilotta, at 64 years old, bravely attempted to pry the mountain lion’s jaws away from Bergere’s face. Simultaneously, Auna Tietz, aged 59, intervened by grabbing the animal’s leg and repeatedly striking it with a hefty rock in an effort to force it to release its grip. Meanwhile, another cougar briefly appeared before retreating, leaving the women to confront the immediate danger.

Resourcefulness in Crisis:

For a tense 15 minutes, Bergere remained ensnared by the predator until, finally, it relinquished its hold. Seizing the opportunity, Bergere crawled to safety while her companions improvised a defense strategy. Tisch Williams, also 59, ingeniously employed one of the group’s bikes, utilizing both the bike and their collective body weight to subdue the cougar until help arrived—a daunting 45 minutes later.

Unlikely Weapon:

Remarkably, it was Erica Wolf’s $6,000 bike that became a crucial tool in the women’s fight for survival. In a situation where every second counted, the bike served as a shield against the predator, highlighting the resourcefulness and resilience of the group in the face of adversity.

Gratitude and Recovery:

Bergere, now in recovery, credits her survival to the unwavering support and bravery of her cyclist friends, who she now considers family. Their swift and decisive actions in the midst of danger undoubtedly saved her life.

Rare Encounter:

While mountain lion attacks on humans are thankfully uncommon, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers present in the wilderness. If faced with a similar situation, experts advise making oneself appear as large and threatening as possible to deter the animal. The innovative use of a bike by these courageous women exemplifies the importance of quick thinking and resourcefulness in moments of crisis.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Outdoor