Mountain Lion Attacks Two Shed-Hunting Brothers, Killing One

A 21-year-old man was killed and his brother seriously injured by a mountain lion that attacked them as they were shed hunting in California’s El Dorado County on March 23, 2024.

Taylen Brooks, 21, and Wyatt Brooks, 18, from the Mount Aukum community, were identified as the victims of the attack.

According to ktvu.com, Wyatt managed to escape the mountain lion and call 911. Deputies arrived at around 1:30 p.m. to find the younger brother with facial injuries. Minutes later, they saw a crouched mountain lion next to the older brother on the ground. Sadly, Taylen had already passed away from his injuries.

The deputies fired their guns and scared off the big cat.

Fox40.com reports that Wyatt has had multiple surgeries as he recovers from the attack.

“We are all devastated by the tragic loss of Taylen yet thankful Wyatt is still with us and are well-aware the outcome could have been even worse,” reads part of the family’s statement provided through the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

The brothers both loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time together pursuing various outdoor activities.

The attack happened in an area southeast of Georgetown, about 55 miles northeast of Sacramento.

The night of the attack, officials from El Dorado County and the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife euthanized a mountain lion in the area, which was later confirmed to have been the animal that attacked the two brothers.

Those interested in helping the family financially can do so at the Brooks Brothers Support Fund. The donated funds will help the family pay for funeral services for Taylen and Wyatt’s recovery.