Experts Test Clothing Of Suspected Cougar Victim

PERRIS (AP) — Authorities will examine the torn clothing of a homeless man to determine whether a mountain lion mauled him at his Southern California encampment.

The 50-year-old man remains hospitalized Monday with extensive injuries. State wildlife Lt. Patrick Foy says he's expected to survive despite losing a lot of blood.

Foy says the man's clothing will be examined for animal saliva.

Based on the extensive wounds, authorities suspect a cougar attacked him west of Perris on Friday. Foy says the man only sought help Saturday morning.

Authorities found no tracks, and helicopter patrols and baited traps didn't turn up anything.

Foy says it's assumed the cougar is still out there and it's dangerous.

However, cougar attacks on humans are rare in California. Only 16 have been confirmed since 1890 — six fatal.

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