Arizona republican., 1892-02-11
BESEIGED BY BEASTS.
Colorado Ranchmen Kept in Doors
by FerOci0us Lions.
SEVERAL TERRIFIC BATTLES.
During the Day and at Night Herds
men Go Armed.
An Intrepid Mother on Sentinel
Duty.-Fights Between Men,
Dogs and Felines.
Associated Press Dispatches.


ASPEN, Colo, Feb. l0.-This section
OF Colorado is experiencing one OF the
severest winters known for years. The
mountains have been covered TO great
depth of snow since the Goth OF Septem-
Der, and the weather has been extremely
cold since the beginning OF winter. This
has driven all kinds OF game down into
the valleys. Large herds OF deer and elk
are frequently seen upon the valley
ranches, but as a general thing they are
so poor as to render them unfit for food.
The mountain lions, however, are max
ing life burden to the ranchmen, and
in some locations it is decidedly
dangerous to be in the open air
after nightfall. They have become so
bold that to go about unarmed is an in
discretion that lew are guilty OF even in
broad daylight, and the majority OF
ranchers are compelled to guard their
stock night and day. The lions are
vicious in the extremes. being nearly
starved to death, and instead OF turn
ing tail and scanperine of to the noun
tains as is generally the case when APP
preached in broad day light, they not
only stand their ground Tut are always
on the offensive.
A few days ago John Wilson, who re-
sides on Brush creek, about six miles
below Aspen, was hooking up his team
preparatory to bringing load OF grain
to Aspen, when his attention was at
tracted to a large lion crouched at the
foot of haystack which stood in the
barnyard and within about ten feet OF
him. He states that the animal was
preparing to spring upon him or the
team, and the sight made his hair stand
and blood run cold. lie pulled a revolt
yer, OF which he had two in his belt,
and fired, but owing to his sudden
fright the aim was not accurate, and
the ball passed over the beast. This 80
angered the lion tina. it Immediately
sprang upon Mr.. Wilson, bearing him
TO the earth with terrific force. For
tunstely the firing of the revolver called
to his aid two large dogs, who came
tearing into the yard, just as the fero-
cious beast sprang upon their master,
and they set upon the animal, at
tracing its attention before it
had time to fasten its teeth in
the flesh OF the pros trate man.
Then there was conglomeration
OF man, dogs and lion for a few seconds
that would be hard to describe. Mr..
Wilson soon succeeded in extricating
himself from his dangerous predica'
ment, and watching his chance fired
another shot, striking the beast over
the temple, but apparently injuring il
but slightly, and the fight between the
dogs and his lionship waxed warmer
Another shot was impossible now, FOL
fear OF killing one or both Of the dogs
Mrs. Wilson appeared on the scene a
this iuncture, armed with a Winchestel
rifle, but was unable 10 bring it into usC
for the same reason. Wilson finally
grabbed up neckyoke and succeeded
in crushing in the skull of the lion by
few well-dirccted blows.
The beast was found to be an old fel
low, and measured feet from the poin
OF his nose to the tip of his tail. He wa
so poor that only skin and bones re
manned. The carcass was thrown on L
a load OF grain and brought to town
where it attracted large amount OF at
tention owing to its enormous size.
Mr.. Wilson's left arm was consider
ably lacerated in the encounter and on
of the dogs came out of the fight with
broken leg. Two OF Mr.. Wilson's littl
children had been playing with SINAI
sled in the yard where the fight too
place but a short time before the lio
was discovered. Mr.. Wilson states tina
il is no uncommon sight to see thes
lions along the small water courses, bu
this is the first instance in which the
have come into his very yard.
When it becomes necessary for tn
children to cross the threshold of tn
door now Mrs. Wilson stands in tn
oorrarmed with a loaded Winches tel