In a recent incident reported by the National Park Service in the United States, a 4-year-old child was bitten by a mountain lion last weekend in a national park in Washington state. The child was rescued with the help of the father and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attack took place near the Victoria Overlook at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, a popular mountainous area with expansive views. According to a press release issued by the National Park Service on Monday (July 21), the mountain lion attack occurred on Sunday afternoon and the child was airlifted to a trauma center in Seattle for treatment. Reports from KIRO-TV, a Seattle-based station under the CBS network, indicate that the child is currently in stable condition and has been discharged from the hospital.
The National Park Service reported that around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, park rangers received a report of a mountain lion attack on a visitor. Emergency personnel and park staff quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured child.
Officials stated that, out of respect for privacy, they will not disclose any identity information about the child. Investigators mentioned that the child was walking along a popular hiking trail with family when the mountain lion suddenly attacked and bit the child.
Following the incident, park rangers and a team with search dogs began searching for the lion wearing a tracking collar. The National Park Service confirmed on Monday that the lion had been “handled,” a term that typically refers to the euthanization of the animal.
Park officials stated in the press release: “There is currently no threat to the public.” The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from witnesses.
According to KIRO-TV, a man named Steve Murrow revealed to the television station that he and his family were walking on a nearby trail when the attack occurred. Although they did not witness the attack, they heard screams that sounded like a child in distress.
Murrow and his father-in-law told KIRO-TV that as they approached the scene, they saw the child’s mother holding the child while a group of people surrounded them, offering support and comfort.
Murrow remarked: “I think if it wasn’t for his father stepping in when he did, that child might not have made it. I mean, he’s a hero.”