Killed cat 'killed man, attacked cyclist'

Initial tests have convinced US officials that a male mountain lion shot after an attack on a cyclist is the same one which killed a man.

Tissues consistent with human skin were found in the stomach of the male cat, said state Fish and Game spokeswoman Chamois Andersen. The full necropsy would be completed next week, she said.

“We are fairly confident we have the sole cat that was responsible for both attacks,” Andersen said.

Footprints taken at the site of both attacks had the same measurements, officials said.

A female mountain lion was also being tested after it was hit by a car and killed late on Thursday in the area.

Post mortem tests had shown Mark Jeffrey Reynolds, 35, was killed by a mountain lion, said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California.

A lion - now believed to be the same animal - also attacked a woman cyclist on Thursday evening and dragged her by the head along a mountain trail.

Anne Hjelle, 30, was in serious condition after several other cyclists pulled her away from the lion.

“We’re happy she’s alive,” said her father, Lloyd Hjelle.