Current:Home > NewsCougar attacks 8-year-old, leading to closures in Washington’s Olympic National Park -FutureFinance
Cougar attacks 8-year-old, leading to closures in Washington’s Olympic National Park
View
Date:2025-04-17 01:21:54
An 8-year-old was attacked by a cougar Saturday, prompting authorities to close Lake Angeles and Heather Park in Olympic National Park, Washington, until further notice.
Authorities were notified at 6:30 p.m. local time on Saturday that a child had been attacked by a cougar while camping at Lake Angeles, the National Park Service, Olympia branch, said in a release. The child's mom screamed at the big cat and the cougar abandoned its attack, according to the NPS.
Park officials responded to the scene and escorted the family back to the trailhead area after the child's medical condition was assessed and stabilized. The child suffered minor injuries, according to the NPS, and the 8-year-old was taken to a hospital to be evaluated.
MORE: 70-year-old man attacked by cougar, avoids serious injuries
As a result of the incident with the cougar, all of the campers at Lake Angeles were evacuated, and portions of Olympic National Park were closed to the public.
"Due to the extreme nature of this incident, we are closing the Lake Angeles area and several trails in the vicinity," Olympic National Park Wildlife Biologist, Tom Kay, said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Lake Angeles Trail, Heather Park Trail, Switchback Trail, and the entire Klahhane Ridge Trail are closed until further notice."
Wildlife personnel with experience in cougar tracking joined park law enforcement on Sunday at 5 a.m. PT at the spot in the Lake Angeles area where the cat was last seen for a search. According to the NPS, as part of the Olympic National Park's protocol, the cougar will be euthanized if it is located, followed by a necropsy. The exam would be done as NPS said attacks on humans are "extraordinarily rare." Cougars aren't seen very often. However, they do live in the Olympic National Park area.
MORE: Mountain lion attacks man from behind while he and his wife relaxed in hot tub
The NPS advised visitors to be prepared for an encounter and not hike or jog alone. Authorities also suggest keeping children close to adults and within the site. Also, pets should be left at home.
Finally, the NPS advised that anyone encountering a cougar should not run as it could "trigger the cougar's attack instinct," the organization said in their release. To avoid this scenario, people should group together, try to appear as large as possible, make as much noise as possible, and throw rocks or objects at the cougar. Further information can be found on the Olympic National Park website.
ABC News' Marilyn Heck contributed to this story.
veryGood! (6743)
Related
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Mindy Kaling Shares Surprising Nickname for 3-Year-Old Son Spencer
- Most semi-automated vehicle systems fall short on safety, new test finds
- Massachusetts Senate passes bill to make child care more affordable
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- What happens if you eat mold? Get to know the risks, according to a doctor
- Oregon GOP senators barred from reelection over walkout seek statewide office instead
- Massachusetts Senate passes bill to make child care more affordable
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Prosecutors: A ‘network’ of supporters helped fugitives avoid capture after Capitol riot
Ranking
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Elon Musk abruptly scraps X partnership with former CNN anchor Don Lemon
- Mysterious 10-foot-tall monolith that looks like some sort of a UFO pops up on Welsh hill
- New-look Los Angeles Dodgers depart for world tour with MVPs and superstars in tow
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Kristen Stewart on her 'very gay' new movie 'Love Lies Bleeding': 'Lesbians overload!'
- Dean McDermott Shares Insight Into Ex Tori Spelling’s Bond With His New Girlfriend Lily Calo
- SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship rocket on third test flight
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Kristen Stewart on her 'very gay' new movie 'Love Lies Bleeding': 'Lesbians overload!'
New Mexico day care workers’ convictions reversed in 2017 death of toddler inside hot car
Taco Bell menu ready to expand with new Cantina Chicken burrito, quesadilla, bowl and tacos
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Massachusetts investigators pursue six 8th graders who created a mock slave auction on Snapchat
'Keep watching': Four-time Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry pushes back on doubters after Ravens deal
Lindsay Lohan Embracing Her Postpartum Body Is a Lesson on Self-Love