Search for missing Utah toddler heads into third day

Sunday, October 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ A toddler who disappeared two days ago after his father left him in a car while he went hunting remains missing as it becomes more unlikely that the boy will be found alive.

Searchers worry the 2-year-old didn't survive in rainy, freezing weather, and they also fear that cougars or bears might have gotten to him. Investigators were still looking into the possibility the boy had been abducted.

Paul Wayment left his son, Gage, asleep as he went hunting Thursday in a mountainous area about 30 miles northeast of Salt Lake City. The boy, who was wearing blue pajamas and no shoes, was reported missing at about 1 p.m. Thursday.

Rescue crews suspended the search late Saturday amid fears volunteers might get lost themselves in the rugged terrain. They planned to resume at daybreak.

Authorities have used helicopters equipped with infrared search capabilities, and they drained a small pond near the spot the boy was last seen but turned up no sign of him.