GF&P: Black Hills mountain lion attack "probable but unconfirmed" Eds: APNewsNow.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) After a monthlong investigation, the state Game, Fish and Parks Department says a reported mountain lion attack at Sheridan Lake in the Black Hills probably occurred but that not enough evidence was found to confirm it.

The agency says tracking dogs could not pick up a mountain lion scent after about four hours of searching, and other sources failed to provide confirmation of an attack.

Ryan Hughes of Rapid City reported a mountain lion attacked him on March 1. Hughes says the animal jumped on him, scratched him and fled.

In absence of enough substantiating evidence, the GF&P says the attack report will be listed as "probable but unconfirmed." (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-01-08 1439CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list