Father Hailed as Hero After Saving Child from Mountain Lion Attack in Olympic National Park

A father is being lauded as a hero after his four-year-old child was attacked by a mountain lion in Olympic National Park, Washington. The incident occurred while the family was hiking on a well-traveled trail over the weekend.

Following the attack, the child was transported to a trauma center in Seattle for medical attention. Reports indicate the child was in satisfactory condition and has since been released from the hospital. The mountain lion involved in the attack was fitted with a tracking collar.

The attack took place near an overlook on Hurricane Ridge, a popular area known for its scenic views. Park rangers were notified of the incident around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, and paramedics and park staff responded to the scene.

Rangers initiated a search for the cougar, enlisting the assistance of a canine team. The animal was located shortly after the canine team's arrival. By Monday, park staff had "dispatched the animal," a term typically used to describe the killing of an animal. Officials have stated that there are no current threats to the public.

To protect the child's privacy, officials have declined to release any identifying information. A witness, Steve Murrow, recounted that he and his family were hiking on the same trail when they heard the child's screams. Murrow and his father-in-law, Mike Flenniken, arrived at the scene to find the mother holding the child and other individuals providing comfort. Witnesses reported that the father intervened to protect the child from the mountain lion. Murrow and Flenniken believe the father's quick actions saved the child's life.