Dog Lost in Ventana Wilderness

UPDATE: Per Big Sur Fire: We received an update that members from Ventana Wilderness Alliance will be hiking out tomorrow morning [Sunday] first thing to try to retrieve the dog and clean up the injured hikers camp. The location is quite a ways in the back country (around 15 miles from Pine Ridge trail head) and might not be suitable for inexperienced hikers, especially in wet and cold conditions. Big Sur Fire Chief is in contact with the organization and the other responding agencies to assist any way we can with retrieval of the missing dog.

On Thursday, April 9th, Big Sur Fire responded to a report of a dead body at Sykes Hot Springs deep in the Ventana Wilderness. H70 lowered a Big Sur Fire EMT to the scene where the hiker was confirmed deceased. The scene appeared suspicious, so the area was secured until Monterey County Sheriff Deputies arrived.

On Friday, April 10th, Big Sur Fire was once again requested to respond to a medical emergency involving an injured hiker even further out at Cienaga Camp. H70 was once again utilized to extract the injured hiker. Unfortunately, the hikers’ dog could not be rescued at the same time. Anyone hiking in the area is being asked to keep an eye out for a medium sized brown and white German Shepherd mix named “Ruger.” The dog is friendly and will likely follow commands from anyone who approaches him. If you find Ruger, please contact Big Sur Fire, State Parks or Monterey County Sheriff for assistance. He was unable to be rescued as the helicopter scared him and he ran off. Rescuers could not locate him but left food and water.