Aaron M. Hall rescued Dante J. Swallow from an attacking mountain lion, Missoula, Montana, July 31, 1998. Attending a day camp, Dante, 6, was hiking on a dirt road through a wooded area with other children and their counselors, including Aaron, 16, high school student. A 92-pound male mountain lion suddenly approached Dante and attacked him, taking him to the ground and biting him on the neck. Aaron, who had been walking nearby, immediately moved toward the mountain lion, screaming and kicking dirt at it. As the mountain lion began to drag Dante toward the woods, Aaron kicked it repeatedly. The mountain lion released its grip on Dante and moved a short distance away. Aaron then charged the animal, causing it to retreat farther. Aaron returned to Dante and provided first aid, then, with another counselor, took him to safety. Dante was taken to the hospital, where severe wounds about his face and neck were sutured. He recovered. The mountain lion was tracked down shortly and was shot by state wildlife wardens.
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