Officers say they feared Cooper had been injured but quickly realized he was intoxicated, apparently spending the afternoon at Bear Hole drinking. Officers say Cooper didn't want to be rescued but say when he stood up to make his way out he couldn't walk.

He was already experiencing hypothermia and the rescuers feared for his safety. That's when Chico Fire, Cal Fire and Butte County Search and Rescue were called out. Cooper reportedly tried to attack one of his fire fighter rescuers. He now faces criminal charges of public drunkenness and assault on a fire fighter. Authorities are considering sending Cooper the bill for the huge rescue operation.