Brave Utah Dog Survives 30 Bites After Defending Family From Mountain Lion
It was a peaceful afternoon in the Michaelis family’s backyard in Cedar Hills, Utah. The children were outside, laughing and playing, and everything felt perfectly normal.
But Ella, the family’s seven-year-old yellow Labrador, noticed something unusual. Her body tensed, ears stood alert, and a low growl rose from her chest.
Step by step, she backed away, her eyes locked on the bushes while still keeping watch over her family. Ella had sensed a danger that no one else had spotted.
Crystal Michaelis, the kids’ mom, immediately noticed her dog’s unusual behavior. Ella wasn’t her usual cheerful self.
Crystal could feel a sinking worry in her chest, and even the kids seemed to sense that something was off. The dog’s eyes stayed fixed on the thick bushes, and her growl grew louder with every second.
Crystal quickly called the children inside. That’s when it appeared: a massive mountain lion had entered the yard.
Without hesitation, Ella lunged forward and planted herself between her family and the predator, ready to defend them. Her bravery was astonishing.
As Crystal guided the kids safely into the house, the sounds of struggle rang out behind her. Her heart pounded, knowing Ella was facing grave danger head-on to keep them safe.
When Crystal finally opened the door and saw Ella, the sight was gut-wrenching. Her fur was bloodied, torn, and matted from the fight.
Crystal described the scene in a YouTube video:
“(I) found Ella just bloodied. There’s blood all over the door and all over the patio.”
Ella had been bitten more than 30 times, with deep wounds across her shoulders, neck, and face.
Crystal knelt down next to her, tears in her eyes, gently rubbing her head and telling her how brave she was.
The family realized how close they had come to a tragedy. Ella’s quick thinking and selfless bravery had prevented a tragedy.
Later, officers from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources explained that the mountain lion had been drawn to the area by nearby goats. It had wandered too close, and Ella had done what she was meant to do: protect her family.
Crystal shared her admiration and love for Ella, saying:
“She never let down and stayed in that protective stance and defended.”
Ella’s heroism wasn’t just about confronting a wild predator. It was a display of her fierce loyalty and love for the people she cherished most.
The Michaelis family knows without question that Ella is their guardian, their champion, and their best friend.
No matter what comes their way, she will always stand ready to protect them, and they are endlessly grateful for her courage.
