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An Army veteran wrestling a mountain lion with his bare hands to save his dog sounds like something from an action movie. It happened for real outside Cody, Wyoming, and the man lived to tell the tale. His first‑hand account and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s take are the new facts here, and they tell us a lot about wildlife risk and plain common sense in lion country.
What actually happened: a close call on a trail
Adam Borkhus says he and his Labrador, Diesel, were on a nature run near South Fork Road when a juvenile mountain lion grabbed the dog. He kicked the cat off, then grappled with it for about 20 seconds until it ran off. Diesel was unhurt. Borkhus had scratches but no major wounds. He told local reporters the whole thing was fast and panicked and that “that thing was strong.” The Wyoming Game & Fish Department says the scene fits a surprise encounter that triggered defensive behavior, and agents are watching the area.
He didn’t use bear spray or a gun — and now he’s getting rabies shots
Borkhus carried bear spray and a pistol but chose not to use them because he feared hurting his dog. That decision will sit differently with different people, but you can hear the logic: don’t trade one tragedy for another. After the fight he got a tetanus shot, antibiotics and a multi‑shot rabies vaccine series — a painful precaution, doctors explained, even though rabies in mountain lions is extremely rare. Medicine sometimes errs on the side of caution when wildlife bites or contact can’t be ruled out.
Wildlife rules that matter — and personal responsibility
The WGFD reminds us that mountain lions are ambush predators and usually avoid people. Close, surprise encounters — especially with young cats in thick brush — can go sideways fast. Simple steps help: keep dogs on short leashes in heavy cover, make noise at dawn and dusk, and know what to do if you meet a big cat (don’t run, face it, make yourself look large, and fight back if attacked). Agencies will monitor the corridor, but the real safety comes from being prepared, not waiting for someone in a distant office to save your day.
Final take: praise guts, keep commonsense rules
Credit where it’s due — Borkhus acted fast, protected his dog and lived to tell it. That’s courage and quick thinking, not a call for more bans or blanket rules. If you love the outdoors in Wyoming, learn the risks, carry the right tools, and use your head. Let the wildlife experts monitor and study, but don’t hand over your safety to bureaucracy. Be ready, stay smart, and keep your dog close — and maybe teach Diesel to be a little less “dumb” next time.
