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Park officials continue to search for mountain lionNov 26, 2012 (Odessa American - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Big Bend National Park rangers and park biologists continue to search for the mountain lion that attacked a woman who was hiking in Big Bend National Park last week. The hiker, Andrea Pinero Cebrian, 29, of Spain, suffered non-life threatening injuries after a mountain lion attacked her Friday while she was in a remote area of Big Bend National Park, according to a release from the National Park Service. Cebrian and her two companions were exploring the Mesa de Anguila near Lajitas when she was attacked. Cebrian was treated by Terlingua medics. The two companions were not hurt, according to David Elkowitz, public information officer with Big Bend National Park. The Mesa de Anguila has been closed to all visitors while rangers and park biologists investigate and patrol in search of the mountain lion. Elkowitz said Monday that repeated patrols have not found the mountain lion. "Visitor safety is our main concern here in Big Bend and we will monitor and close the Mesa until we deem it safe for visitors," stated Park Superintendent Cindy Ott-Jones in the release. Big Bend's website said the park is "mountain lion country, especially the Chisos Mountains. While lion attacks are rare, several have occurred in the last decade." The website offers advice to hikers who encounter mountain lions, such as holding one's ground, waving arms, shouting and throwing stones and refraining from running. Follow Odessa American on twitter @OdessaAmerican, like us on Facebook at Odessa American or call 432-333-7714 for the main newsroom line. ___ (c)2012 the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) Visit the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) at www.oaoa.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |