PIKE COUNTY, Illinois (NBC News) – A reported mountain lion attack in Pike County, Illinois has turned out to be a hoax.
The 14-year-old boy who came forward with the claim has now apologized for making the whole thing up.
Jeremiah Dice and his father, Gary, issued a public apology Tuesday, saying the lie quickly spun out of control.
The boy says he fell out of his deer stand and hurt himself.
Afraid that his parents wouldn't let him go hunting alone again, he made up the mountain lion story to cover his scratches.
Jeremiah says he didn't mean to draw so much attention or hurt anyone with the lie.
He says he did see a bobcat during his hunt, but that was all.
There was no attack and no mountain lion.
The Dices also sent a letter of apology to officers with the Department of Natural Resources, who were investigating the case.
Officers say no charges will be pursued.
