Pinos Altos Man Attacked, Killed By Mountain Lion

PINOS ALTOS, N.M. (AP) – Medical investigators confirmed today that a mountain lion was responsible for the death of a man who had been reported missing.

Relatives of 55-year-old Robert Nawojski of Pinos Altos say he liked to bathe and shave on a rock ledge about 60 yards from his home.

The state Department of Game and Fish determined the lion attacked Nawojski just below the ledge, dragged his body a short distance and then ate and buried parts of it.

Searchers called the department Thursday night after encountering a mountain lion while searching for Nawojski, whose brother reported him missing earlier that day.

A game officer who spotted the lion shot and wounded it.

Game and Fish officers and federal Wildlife Services agents still were searching for the animal today.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)