Father fights off mountain lion to save 4-year-old in Olympic National Park

Yahoo

4 days ago

A father's split-second decision saved his child's life.
A peaceful family outing at Washington's Olympic National Park turned into a nightmare when a mountain lion attacked a 4-year-old child, leading to a dramatic rescue by the child's father that witnesses are calling heroic.
The attack occurred Sunday afternoon around 3:15 p.m. on Hurricane Ridge Trail, one of the park's most popular hiking destinations, known for its expansive mountain views. The family was walking the well-traveled path when a collared mountain lion suddenly bit the young child.
According to the National Park Service, the child's father immediately sprang into action, physically intervening to get his child away from the dangerous predator. Witnesses at the scene praised the father's quick thinking and brave response, crediting his actions with potentially saving the child's life.
"I don't think that kid would survive if it wasn't for his dad jumping in," said Steve Murrow, who was hiking nearby with his family when the attack occurred. "He's a hero. It just boils down to safety in numbers, and it is rare that something like this would happen."
Murrow and his father-in-law heard the child's screams and rushed to the area, where they found the mother holding her injured child while other hikers provided comfort and assistance to the shaken family.
Park rangers and paramedics quickly responded to the emergency call, airlifting the child to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed the child was in satisfactory condition and has since been released.
The mountain lion, which was fitted with a research tracking collar, remained in the area after the attack. Rangers launched an immediate search effort, joined by a specialized canine team around 5 p.m. The animal was located shortly after and subsequently killed by park officials, who stated there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
What to do if you see a mountain lion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wilderness safety awareness. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advises anyone encountering a mountain lion to make themselves appear larger and more aggressive by opening jackets, raising arms, and throwing stones or branches while maintaining eye contact. Crucially, experts warn never to run from a mountain lion, as this can trigger their chase instinct.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare, making this incident particularly unusual for the popular tourist destination. The National Park Service is asking any witnesses to the attack to contact them at 888-653-0009 or email [e-mail] as they continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
The family's identity is being protected for privacy reasons, but their experience highlights two things: the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, and the powerful instinct of a parent to protect their child at any cost.
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