A 28-year-old Matt Cisneros, of Gillette, and his 12 year old son Manuel spent two nights lost in the Medicine Bow National forest after changing paths when they encountered a black bear.
The pair told deputies that they killed a snake and ate it raw, drank water from a creek and huddled together at night for warmth, according to a press release from the Carbon County Sheriff’s office. They had no food, no water, no fire making materials or warm clothing but were in relatively good condition when they were located on a ridge line just after 1 p.m. on Aug. 16.
The father and son were reported missing by family around noon on Aug. 15 after they failed to return to their campsite, the press release said. Ground search teams, a K9 unit, all-terrain vehicle crews, searchers on horseback and a helicopter from the Army National Guard of Warren Air Force Base were utilized in order to find them.
According to the sheriff’s office, the pair heard the helicopter on Saturday and Sunday, then made their way to the ridge line where they would be visible.
According to Homer Beach, Ryan Park Volunteer Fire Chief, they spent the two days combing through the forest in order to find the missing pair. In the midst of fighting three fires that affected the Platte Valley during the same time, the Saratoga, Ryan Park and Encampment Volunteer Fire Departments were called out to make up the search and rescue team alongside Baggs and Rawlins.
“We had about 12 to 15 people at a time walking the woods and riding four wheelers side by side and the helicopter flying,” Beach said.
Deputy Kevin Shue was the Incident Commander in the field, assisted by Sergeant David Perkins for logistics, the press release said.
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