PORT ANGELES, Washington (WJW) – A 4-year-old child was taken to a hospital after an encounter with a mountain lion over the weekend, according to the National Park Service.
The attack happened near the Victoria Overlook area of Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park, NPS wrote in a press release. Hurricane Ridge is a popular mountain area with expansive views.
According to investigators, the child, who hasn’t been identified, was reportedly walking along a popular hiking trail with their family when they were bitten by the mountain lion.
The attack was reported to rangers around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, and paramedics and park staff traveled to the injured child, according to the National Park Service.
The child was life-flighted to a trauma center. As of Monday, the child was undergoing treatment at a Seattle hospital.
After the attack, park rangers, alongside a canine team, started looking for the animal, which was fitted with a tracking collar. On Monday, the NPS said the mountain lion was “located and dispatched,” a term that generally refers to killing an animal.
“There are no current threats to the public,” park officials said in the release.
The attack remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed it should reach out to park officials by calling 888-653-0009 or by email at nps_isb@nps.gov.
So, what should a person do upon encountering a mountain lion? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has compiled a list of things to remember.
For starters, they advise making yourself appear larger and more aggressive.
“Open your jacket, raise your arms and throw stones, branches, etc., without turning away,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services said. “Wave raised arms slowly and speak slowly, firmly, loudly to disrupt and discourage predatory behavior.”
Never run from a cougar, officials said. Rather, stand your ground and pick up small children without turning away or bending over, if possible.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ full list of mountain lion safety tips can be found at FWS.gov.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
