A man was found dead in a rural area of Texas on Thursday, sparking conflicting reports by authorities about whether he had been killed by a mountain lion.
In the preliminary findings, the medical examiner determined that Christopher Alan Whiteley, 28, was “attacked by a wild animal, possibly a mountain lion,” in a news release from the Hood County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday.
Deputies said they responded to an area in Leapon, 80 miles west of Dallas, regarding a missing person’s call. Whitley, who was spotted early Wednesday morning, was found dead in a wooded area nearby.
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“The safety of Hood County citizens is my priority, but please do not interfere with the animal discovery process and be clear about the area in which officers are actively working,” Public Information Officer Lt. Johnny Rose wrote.
However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) said Sunday that “no evidence of a predatory attack by a mountain lion was found at the victim’s location,” according to a separate news release from the department.
The agency added that biologists from the Texas Game of Thrones, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Trapper of the Agricultural Wildlife Services also observed the scene and came to the same conclusion as TPDW employees.
“Fatal mountain lion attacks on people are extremely rare. In the last 100 years, less than 30 deaths have been confirmed due to mountain lion attacks across the country,” the agency wrote. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department does not have ample records of a fatal attack on a person by a mountain lion in Texas. There is no confirmation of a Hood County mountain lion in Texas Parks and Wildlife.”
The TPWD said the mountain lion sightings, about 100 miles away in Dallas County, were “not related to the incident.”
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Hood County Sheriff’s Office Fees wrote that while it appears they have conflicting reports from two agencies that specialize in their field, the department said it is overwhelmed by the preliminary findings of the Tarant County Medical Examiner’s Office Fees, which denies suicide and is in question. Cow slaughter on death. “
Prior to the final autopsy report, the department said it would continue to collect pictures and statements of locals who had seen or captured images of mountain lions.
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“Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds is always on the side of caution when it comes to the safety and well-being of Hood County citizens and will continue to warn them about any safety issues that could affect them,” the department added.
