Dog escapes owners and is found a day later stuck on rocks in Joshua Tree, park says
A dog ran off from its owners in Joshua Tree National Park and was found a day later dehydrated and stuck on a rocky ledge, rangers said.
The pet was off-leash when it got scared and escaped its owners the morning of June 8, the National Park Service said in a June 17 news release.
Someone spotted the animal about 24 hours later trapped on rock formations near the Jumbo Rocks Campground, park officials said.
Park rangers and rescuers responded to the area and found the dog in “poor condition due to dehydration,” officials said.
They helped it off the ledge by luring it with water and handed the animal over to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
The animal control agency contacted its owners and returned the dog to them, officials said.
Rangers also gave the owners a violation notice.
Officials said animals have to be on leash at the national park and are not allowed on trails.
“Conditions during the summer can be deadly for pets due to increased temperatures, wildlife encounters, average ground temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and sharp cacti,” rangers said.
Officials advise visitors to leave animals at home during the hot summer months.
Joshua Tree National Park is in Southern California where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The park is known for having “funky trees,” rock formations and “stunning desert vistas.”
Three million people visit the park every year.
