CEDAR HILLS, Utah — A Utah woman is hailing her dog as a hero after she said the Labrador retriever protected her family from a mountain lion.

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According to KSL-TV and KSTU-TV, the incident occurred Tuesday in Crystal Michaelis’ backyard in Cedar Hills. Michaelis said her children were outside with the 7-year-old dog, Ella, when the family pet suddenly appeared to be on high alert, KSL reported.

“She kept looking at the kids and then quickly looking back,” Michaelis told KSL. “She was just being very cautious.”

The children went back into the house and, moments later, discovered Ella wounded and bleeding on their patio, Michaelis said. A mountain lion had attacked the dog, she told the news outlets. The state’s Division of Wildlife Resources later confirmed the incident, Pleasant Grove police said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

“Please be aware of your surroundings and know where small children are at all times,” the post added. “Please consider bringing pets indoors.”

Ella suffered a concussion, 30 bites and severe cuts to her neck, head and legs, but is expected to be OK, according to KSL.

Michaelis said she believes Ella was defending the children from the cougar, according to KSTU.

“She is our hero,” Michaelis told KSL.

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