PORT ANGELES, WA – A four-year-old child was injured by a mountain lion on Sunday near the Victoria Overlook area on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, according to the National Park Service.
Rangers were notified of the attack at approximately 3:15 p.m. Initial reports indicate that a collared mountain lion bit the child while the child was walking with their family on a popular trail.
Clallam County Fire District 2 paramedics and park staff responded to the scene. The child was transported via LifeFlight to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Seattle where they were still reportedly receiving treatment on Monday. Identifying details are being withheld to protect the family’s privacy.
Park rangers began searching for the mountain lion immediately after the incident. A canine team joined the effort around 5 p.m. the same day. The cougar was located shortly after but was not killed until Monday morning.
Park officials say there are no ongoing threats to the public. The incident remains under investigation.
To help prevent similar encounters, the National Park Service provided guidance for staying safe in mountain lion habitats. Key recommendations include staying aware of surroundings, keeping children and pets close, avoiding running from a cougar, and fighting back if attacked. Hiking in groups and not feeding wildlife are also emphasized.