Mountain Lion Attacks Woman in Washington National Park

A four-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after being attacked by a mountain lion while visiting a popular national park in Washington.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon, as a family was enjoying their time near Hurricane Ridge, overlooking Victoria, according to a statement from the National Park Service.

Park rangers received reports of the attack shortly after 3 PM, prompting a swift response from paramedics and park staff.

Following the attack, rangers, along with a dog team, began searching for the mountain lion. They located the animal the same day and euthanized it the next morning.

The injured woman was transported to a hospital in Seattle via medical helicopter, as per the information released by the National Park Service.

Authorities assured the public that there’s no ongoing threat and that the matter is under investigation. A spokesman from the National Park Service stated they are collecting further details about the incident and mentioned resources regarding cougar safety for anyone interested.

Anyone who witnessed the event is encouraged to reach out to the National Park Service.

Interestingly, just last summer, a five-year-old sustained serious—but thankfully non-life-threatening—injuries from another mountain lion attack in Southern California. That animal was also euthanized by a ranger.

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue, which assisted during the recent incident, has not yet commented on the situation.