A five-year-old boy has been hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a mountain lion attack in Southern California over the weekend. The big cat has since been euthanized by California state rangers, according to officials on Tuesday.
A five-year-old boy has been hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a mountain lion attack in Southern California over the weekend. The big cat has since been euthanized by California state rangers, according to officials on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the mountain lion attack occurred at Malibu Creek State Park, which is west of Los Angeles. The boy was part of a group picnicking with friends and family from Woodland Hills.
Mountain Lion Attack in Southern California Leaves Boy Seriously Injured
"One or more adults charged at the lion, and it released the boy," said the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in a statement. "Multiple witnesses saw the attack and observed the mountain lion climb up a nearby tree."
The mountain lion climbed up a nearby tree where it was deemed a threat to public safety and euthanized with a firearm by rangers. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Mountain Lion Attack in Southern California Leaves Boy Seriously Injured
According to the statement, the boy was airlifted to nearby Northridge Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was released early Monday morning.
Officials said the mountain lion was euthanized with a firearm while the animal remained in the same tree. Rangers deemed the mountain lion a threat to the public. The big cats rarely attack humans.
Mountain Lion Attack in Southern California Leaves Boy Seriously Injured
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Only around 20 mountain lion attacks have been confirmed in the state of California. Three of those attacks have been fatal, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said earlier this year.
Malibu Creek State Park near Calabasas, California (AP Photo/John Antczak)
Earlier this year, one man was killed and another seriously injured in Northern California after a mountain lion stalked and pounced on the two brothers. They had attempted first to scare the big cat away before it attacked.
"CDFW and State Parks officials are thankful that the family is safe, and the child is recovering and no one else was injured," the statement concluded.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Mountain lions are large, powerful cats that are native to North and South America. They are typically solitary animals that hunt deer, elk, and other large mammals. Mountain lions rarely attack humans, but attacks can occur if the animal feels threatened or if it mistakes a human for prey.
If you encounter a mountain lion, it is important to remain calm and slowly back away. Do not run or make sudden movements, as this could trigger the animal's predatory instincts. If the mountain lion approaches you, try to make yourself look as large as possible by standing up tall and waving your arms. You can also make loud noises to scare the animal away.
If you are attacked by a mountain lion, fight back with all your strength. Use whatever objects you have available to defend yourself, such as sticks, rocks, or backpacks. Aim for the animal's eyes and nose, as these are sensitive areas.
