A heroic California father saved his 5-year-old son from a vicious mountain lion attack over Labor Day weekend, the victim's family said.
A group of about six adults and children were enjoying a picnic Sunday at Malibu State Creek Park in Calabasas when a mountain lion attacked them. Caught The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told KTLA that the officer grabbed the boy's head and began to run away.
About 40 witnesses saw the animal attack just before 4.30pm, with some saying the big cat appeared fearless.
Thankfully, the boy's father stepped up to save him.
“Someone shouted the baby's name and the father ran off,” the boy's aunt told local media. “He grabbed the cougar with both hands and fought back, and it let go.”
Paramedics from the California State Parks Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Los Angeles Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the boy to a hospital by helicopter.
The victim was released from hospital after being treated for his injuries, but had to return to hospital after suffering complications from injuries to his eye.
His current condition is unknown, the media reported.
Officials said the lion was found and killed by park rangers and California Forest Service personnel.
“After consulting with CDFW wildlife officers, they deemed the mountain lion a threat to public safety and a ranger euthanized it with his firearm,” the statement obtained by KTLA read.
“CDFW and state park officials are thankful the family is safe, the child has recovered and no one else was injured,” officials added.
