Lost Hiker Survives for 10 Days Eating Berries in Santa Cruz Mountains

Poppy flowers bloom along the ocean with the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance at San Pedro Valley Park near Pacifica, Calif. (SL Walker/ Visit Pacifica)

A California man survived for 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains by eating berries until passersby heard his cries for help.

Lukas McClish was rescued by Cal Fire and local paramedics around 3 p.m. June 20 in the heavily forested area after his location was confirmed by drone surveillance, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.

He did not sustain any major injuries and was reunited with his family, according to authorities.

“This truly was a team effort with the best outcome we could have hoped for,” the sheriff’s office wrote on social media.

The 34-year-old began hiking on June 11 and became lost after several hours. He was not reported missing until June 17, according to authorities.

Mr. McClish was rescued roughly 10 miles from where he began his hike in what’s known as Boulder Creek, about 30 miles southwest of San Jose.

“We are grateful he’s home,” Cal Fire’s local unit posted on social media.

The unit’s Facebook page included photos of Mr. McClish’s reunion with his family. He was covered in dirt and was shirtless while he hugged two unidentified females as rescue crews and members of law enforcement agencies looked on.