A 36-year-old caretaker at an Oregon wildcat sanctuary was found dead at the facility on Saturday after being mauled to death by one of the animals.
According to authorities who spoke to ABC, emergency medical crews were called to the WildCat Haven Sanctuary in Sherwood, Ore. Just after 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Rescuers were doubtful their vehicles could navigate around the dark and deserted area where victim Renee Radziwon-Chapman was located. Sgt. Robert Wurpes of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office told ABC News the response team was uncertain that entering the premises on foot was safe, since they weren't sure where other cats might be.
"They were pretty concerned walking there," he told ABC.
The employee had already died by the time rescue teams made it to her, the Oregonian reported.
Mark Sodaro, who lived in the same neighborhood in Portland as the Radziwon-Chapman told ABC News that the story was a tragic one.
"It breaks your heart," he said.
The cause of death has not yet been released, and authorities from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office are still unsure whether the animal escaped from its cage or if the event was an accident. It is also still unclear which cat attacked Radziwon-Chapman.
According to sanctuary board member Jim Caliva, Radziwon-Chapman, a new mother, worked at the facility for years.
"Her relationship with the cats was amazing," Caliva told the Oregonian. "She knew exactly what she was doing, but apparently there was a mistake. I don't know what it could be."
WildCat Haven Sanctuary is home to more than 60 wildcats born into captivity. According to the facility's website, cats that have been neglected, abused or abandoned are also brought into the sanctuary. WildCat Haven is not a public venue, but does arrange tours of the site for donors.
