Colorado 8-Year-Old Mauled by Mountain Lion While Playing Outside

Cougar, Puma or Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)

An 8-year-old boy in Colorado sustained serious injuries after he was attacked by a mountain lion, wildlife officials said.

According to a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the attack occurred around 7:30 p.m. while the boy was playing in the yard with his brother outside his home.

“The kid was running and it probably triggered the lions natural response to a prey animal running,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “We all hope that the child will be alright and you just hate to see this occur."

The two boys were reportedly playing outside on a trampoline when the 8-year-old heard another one of his friends calling from a neighboring home. When he ran to go visit his friend, the mountain lion pounced, biting the child on the head.

The boy's brother ran inside the house and told the father something didn't sound right. When the father went outside, he discovered the mountain lion on top of his son. The animal released the 8-year-old as the animal approached and took off running. Emergency services were call and the boy was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his wounds.

Wildlife officials say they received a description of the mountain lion that it was smaller in size. A team brought in three dogs to try and find the scent of the mountain lion, but after two hours they were unsuccessful.

This is the third mountain lion attack in Colorado so far this year, the statement added. The first one occurred on Feb. 4 when a trail runner was at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located west of Fort Collins. The second attack this year occurred northeast of Kremmling.

The previous attack in Colorado happen in 2016. The last time three attacks occurred in one year was 1998.

Photo: Getty Images, Colorado Parks and Wildlife


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