‘It could happen to anybody’: Boy, 7, attacked by cougar in California

STEVENSON RANCH, Calif. — A 7-year-old boy was attacked and injured by a mountain lion at Pico Canyon Park in southern California Monday, in accordance with officers.

The boy suffered accidents described as non-life threatening, and the park has been quickly shut down by the Los Angeles County Division of Parks and Recreation.

An investigation is being led by the California Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Division of Fish and Wildlife stated the boy was strolling up some stairs, and the mountain lion got here from behind and bit him within the buttocks.

The boy’s father was in a position to scare the mountain lion off.

Portuguese triathlete attacked by seal throughout coaching session at California seashore: VIDEO

The park can be closed till additional discover because of the “aggressive” mountain lion seen within the space, the Division of Parks and Recreation stated in a information launch.

The boy’s chunk wounds have been swabbed for DNA to attempt to match it to a recognized cat. Within the meantime, authorities are trying to find the mountain lion.

ABC Los Angeles affiliate KABC’s AIR7 HD was over the realm as authorities tried to lure the mountain lion out of the hills with a deer carcass.

If the mountain lion is discovered and the DNA matches up with the boy’s chunk marks, there is a good likelihood the animal should be killed.

“Every part we do in each a part of our mission is to raised assist wildlife and folks coexist,” Foy stated. “Having a scenario like this the place wild animals begin attacking, particularly young children, that is an excellent tough a part of our job.”

Residents within the Stevenson Ranch space have reported seeing a cougar in current weeks and apprehensive about their pets, however few thought it will go after a human.

“It nonetheless terrifies me as a result of it may occur to me,” stated Santa Clarita resident Francisco Salas, who often visits the paths above the park. “It may occur to anyone out right here.”