PORT ANGELES, Wash. – A four-year-old child was injured in a mountain lion attack on July 20 at Olympic National Park. The incident occurred near the Victoria Overlook area on Hurricane Ridge, according to the National Park Service.

The attack was reported around 3:15 p.m. while the child was walking with family on a popular hiking trail. Initial reports indicated that a collared mountain lion bit the child. Paramedics from Clallam County Fire District 2 responded quickly to the scene. The child was then airlifted to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Seattle for treatment of injuries.

As of Monday, the child remains hospitalized and is receiving care. Following the attack, park rangers initiated a search for the mountain lion. A canine team joined the search efforts around 5 p.m. that same day. The mountain lion was located and dispatched the following morning, July 21.

Park officials stated that there are currently no threats to the public. The incident is still under investigation, and anyone who witnessed the attack is encouraged to contact park officials at 888-653-0009.

In light of this incident, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has provided safety tips for encounters with mountain lions. They advise individuals to make themselves appear larger and more aggressive by opening jackets, raising arms, and throwing stones or branches without turning away. It is crucial to stand your ground and avoid running from a mountain lion. If you have small children with you, pick them up without bending over or turning away.