Four-Year-Old Child Attacked by Mountain Lion at Olympic National Park [WATCH]

A 4-year-old child was attacked by a mountain lion while hiking with family in Olympic National Park in Washington on Sunday, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

The incident occurred in the Hurricane Ridge area near the popular Victoria Overlook trail, as reported by The New York Post.

The child sustained injuries from the attack and was airlifted to a Seattle hospital for treatment. As of Monday, the child’s condition had not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not released the child’s name in order to protect the family’s privacy.

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Park rangers responded immediately to the scene and launched a search for the mountain lion, which officials said had been fitted with a GPS tracking collar. A canine unit assisted in locating the animal.

On Monday, the cougar was found and euthanized by park personnel. Officials stated that the decision to kill the animal was made to eliminate any potential risk to the public. The incident remains under investigation by park authorities.

The National Park Service noted that attacks on humans by mountain lions are extremely rare. These large predators, which can weigh as much as 150 pounds, are typically solitary and territorial, often avoiding human contact.

Their diet generally consists of elk, deer, smaller mammals, and even fish, but encounters with humans are not common.

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According to NPS guidelines, hikers who encounter a mountain lion are advised to remain calm, face the animal, avoid turning their back, and attempt to appear larger by raising their arms or holding out gear such as jackets or backpacks.

Slowly backing away while maintaining eye contact is also recommended.

The Olympic National Park, located in northwest Washington state, is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions.

Although rare, mountain lion sightings and encounters can occur, particularly during the summer months when outdoor activity increases.

The National Park Service has not released additional details but confirmed that public safety remains their top priority. Officials reminded visitors to remain alert, hike in groups when possible, and report any sightings of large predators to park authorities immediately.

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