70-year-old man attacked by cougar, avoids serious injuries

A 70-year-old man survived a cougar attack in Utah without serious injuries, officials said.

He suffered only lacerations to his head and arms when he was confronted by the animal at Spanish Fork Canyon around 1 p.m. Thursday, the Utah County Sheriff's Office said.

He was hospitalized and listed in fair condition, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities said officials with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will search for the cougar on Friday.

Scott Root of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources said the attack took place near a parking area and he's urging hikers to stay away.

"If you do need to go up the canyon, please be extremely careful," he told ABC News. "I like to have a canister of bear spray with me when I hike. ... We would encourage people not to hike alone. Don't hike, probably, in low-light hours. Make noise while you're hiking to alert cougars and other wildlife of your presence."

Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, are seen regularly in mountainous regions of Utah. There are about 1,600 cougars in Utah, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources, though that number is declining "due to increased trophy hunting and habitat loss."