Mountain lion 
didn't have rabies

updated 5:54 p.m. ET Jan. 13, 2004

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. - The mountain lion that authorities believe killed one mountain biker and mauled another at a wilderness park did not have rabies, authorities said.

State wildlife investigators conducted the rabies test to determine, among other things, why the animal exhibited such aggressive behavior in the attacks last week at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Rabies could have partially explained the attacks.

Local coverage KNSD-TV reports

Anne Hjelle, 30, was rescued from the jaws of a mountain lion Thursday by a cycling partner who clung to her leg and other mountain bikers who threw rocks at the animal as it tried to drag her away. Hjelle was in fair condition at a Mission Viejo hospital.

The body of Mark Reynolds, 35, later was found partially buried near his bike. Reynolds apparently had crouched down to fix a broken bicycle chain when he was attacked.

A 2-year-old, 110-pound male mountain lion was shot and killed by Orange County sheriff’s deputies after it was seen near the site where Reynolds was found. The lion had human remains in its stomach, and DNA tests were being conducted to see if they match Reynolds.

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