KSLTV News reports that on July 19, a Labrador dog in Cedar Hills, Utah, fought off a mountain lion to protect its family. Despite suffering severe injuries, the dog lived to see another day.

As Crystal Michaelis and her kids were outside playing in the backyard, Ella, a 7-year-old yellow Lab, saw the mountain lion. Michaelis didn’t see the mountain lion, but she did notice Ella acting strangely and glancing back and forth between the kids and the area where the mountain lion was hiding.

She continued turning her head in the direction of the children before quickly turning her gaze away, according to Michaelis. “My daughter was concerned since she was merely being cautious.”

Michaelis eventually brought her children inside. As they made their way back to the patio entrance, Ella had serious wounds to her head, face, legs, tongue, and neck. When we opened the rear door, Ella was completely covered in blood. Michaelis remarked, “There was blood all over the door and the terrace.”

The family was not present during the conflict, but mountain lion footprints going to the area were found by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials. Wildlife experts believe that the mountain lion may have approached the Michaelis’ home too closely after becoming distracted by some nearby goats in a neighbor’s yard.

After defending her family from a mountain lion in Cedar Hills, Ella, a 7-year-old lab, sustained injuries to her head, neck, legs, and tongue. She also has over 30 bite marks on her body.

Although the mountain lion has not been spotted recently, the Utah DWR has cautioned residents to remain watchful and careful. Deer are the primary food supply for cougars, so they typically follow where deer go, according to DWR public relations officer Faith Jolley. “They’ve also seen deer passing through this area,” she added.

Ella was bitten about 30 times, all starting from the shoulders up. Which, according to Michaelis, “indicates she never gave up and defended that protective posture.” Ella is anticipated to fully recover despite her wounds.

To discover more about the tale, view the video below: