The Cat and Its Previous Owners Fell Nearly 400 Feet in Bryce Canyon

A search and rescue helicopter pilot who was called to Bryce Canyon National Park in late April after two visitors fell to their deaths recently rescued the miraculous survivor that was with them: an elderly tabby cat by the name of Mirage.

Search and rescue teams were called to Inspiration Point, a popular lookout in Bryce Canyon National Park, on April 29 when a group of tourists reported seeing bodies at the bottom. Park rangers and Garfield County Sheriff’s deputies used binoculars to check the scene, confirming the presence of two bodies and what looked to be a backpack.

Authorities called for aerial backup and were met by Chelsea Tugaw, a search-and-rescue pilot who flies for the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Aero Bureau. She and her team were unable to land the helicopter on the steep terrain, so they sent a rescue specialist down into the 380-foot canyon.

The two victims were identified as 45-year-old Matthew Nannen and 58-year-old Bailee Crane. The backpack, however, turned out to be a cat carrier with an elderly tabby inside. Though injured and not responding to Tugaw’s calls, the cat was alive.

The cat, named Mirage, was transported to the Pawz Dogs boarding facility in Panguitch, Utah, before being moved again to the Best Friends Animal Society. She had suffered broken teeth and ribs and was in respiratory distress with fluid around her heart. The Best Friends staff decided to send her to a specialist in Las Vegas for proper care.

In the meantime, Tugaw decided that she wanted to bring Mirage home. The previous owners’ next of kin were quick to give their blessing, allowing the adoption process to move forward.

Treatment and recovery continued for around another month while Tugaw worked to finalize the adoption from Best Friends. Now, Mirage is a happy member of Tugaw’s family - which also includes two more cats and a dog.

FMI: https://dive.utah.gov/aero-bureau