Father Saves Child from Mountain Lion Attack in Olympic National Park

On a Sunday, a four-year-old child was bitten by a mountain lion while hiking with family on Hurricane Ridge within Washington state's Olympic National Park. The child's father intervened, reportedly saving the child's life by pulling the child from the animal's grasp.

The incident happened around 3:15 pm, according to a statement from the National Park Service. Initial reports indicated the attack involved a collared cougar on a frequently used trail. Park rangers later located and euthanized the animal the following morning.

Emergency responders from the Clallam County fire district, along with park personnel, transported the injured child by air to a trauma center in Seattle. Park officials noted the father's quick action likely saved the child's life. Witnesses praised the father's bravery.

One hiker, who was on the same trail, described the father as a hero, emphasizing the rarity of such events. The hiker recalled hearing a child's screams and, upon arriving at the scene, saw the child's mother holding the child, with others offering assistance. The father had reportedly pulled the child away from the attacking lion.

The child's condition was reported as satisfactory, and the child has since been discharged from the hospital. The cougar involved was wearing a GPS collar, and the attack occurred near the Victoria Overlook on Hurricane Ridge. Park officials assured there was no ongoing threat to visitors. They did not release the child's identity, citing privacy concerns.

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in North America. Experts say these animals generally avoid humans, although sightings and encounters have slightly increased since conservation policies ended bounty hunting and allowed cougar populations to rebound.