Not even in her wildest dreams did Marlene Todd think of sharing a hot bath with a cougar.

But she almost did last Thursday, when she suddenly found a mountain lion in her backyard and staring at her as if wanting to share the relaxing soak.

Todd said it was a narrow escape, with the "big, tan, hairy" animal just four inches away from her.

She was sunk down enjoying a soak in the hot tub when the cat, which apparently couldn't see her, took a leap and jumped up on the side of the hot tub. She immediately called on Deadwood police for help.

Authorities said the cougar may have been led to Todd's house while hunting for some deer in her neighborhood.

They said the animal may have been attracted by the possibility of a hot bath amid the cold morning.