SELIGMAN, Ariz. — A 2-year-old boy who went missing from his home in Seligman on Monday has been found safe after spending the night alone in rugged wilderness, thanks in part to a heroic ranch dog named Buford.
Just before 5 p.m., the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the missing child and launched an immediate and extensive search effort. More than 40 search and rescue personnel, along with deputies from multiple counties, Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, and a DPS rescue helicopter, began combing the area.
After 16 hours of searching, a rancher about 7 miles from the boy’s home called authorities to report that a small child had wandered onto his property. Deputies quickly responded and confirmed that the boy was the missing 2-year-old.
During the overnight aerial search, the DPS helicopter spotted two mountain lions in the area where the boy had traveled, underscoring the danger he faced while alone in the wild.
The rancher said his dog, Buford, discovered the boy while patrolling the property and likely stayed with him and helped guide him to safety. The child told the rancher he had slept under a tree during the night.
YCSO expressed deep gratitude to DPS, the Coconino and Mohave County Sheriff’s Offices, search and rescue teams, and the public for spreading the word during the search. And special thanks were reserved for Buford—the brave dog who became the boy’s unexpected guardian angel.
