PORT ANGELES, Washington (WJW) A 4-year-old child was taken to the 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 Olympic National Park, the NPS wrote in a news release.
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.
Paramedics with Clallam County Fire District 2 rushed to the scene. The child was life-flighted to a trauma center. As of Monday, the child was undergoing treatment for injuries at a hospital in Seattle.
Park rangers, alongside a canine team, started looking for the animal after the attack. On Monday, the NPS said the mountain lion was “located and dispatched.”
“There are no current threats to the public,” park officials said in the release.
The attack remains under investigation at this time. 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 you do if you encounter a mountain lion? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has compiled a list of things to remember.
Be sure to make 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.
Find the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ full list on mountain lion safety here.
