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Authorities Suspect Mountain Lion Attacked Homeless Man In Riverside County

PERRIS, Calif. (AP) — Authorities will examine the torn clothing of a homeless man to determine whether a mountain lion mauled him at his Southern California encampment.

The 50-year-old man remains hospitalized Monday with extensive injuries. State wildlife Lt. Patrick Foy says he's expected to survive despite losing a lot of blood.

Foy says the man's clothing will be examined for animal saliva.

Based on the extensive wounds, authorities suspect a cougar attacked him west of Perris on Friday. Foy says the man didn't seek help Saturday morning.

Authorities found no tracks, and helicopter patrols and baited traps didn't turn up anything.

Foy warns that the mountain lion may still be out there and should be considered dangerous.

If it's confirmed, this would be 15th verified lion attack on humans in California since 1986.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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