September 4th 2024.
Next up, we have a heartbreaking story of a young boy who was attacked by a mountain lion while out playing with his family at a state park in Calabasas, California. The incident occurred on a busy Sunday afternoon at Malibu Creek State Park, where the boy and his siblings were enjoying a day of outdoor fun.
As the boy was playing with a group of children, a mountain lion suddenly appeared and latched onto his head. The boy's aunt, who was also present, described the animal as being huge and unafraid. The boy's father, who was nearby, immediately sprang into action and began fighting the mountain lion with his bare hands in an attempt to save his child.
The attack happened in a busy picnic area, with around 40 other people present. As the boy and onlookers screamed for help, the father bravely fought off the mountain lion. Eventually, the animal let go and the boy was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were not life-threatening, but he did sustain serious cuts and scratches to his face and damage to his eyes.
After the attack, the mountain lion was found in a nearby tree and was later killed by a ranger as it was deemed a danger to the public. DNA samples taken from the animal were a match to the boy's wounds and clothing, confirming that they had killed the correct animal.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife are currently investigating the incident, and a statement from California State Parks detailed the events that took place. It was reported that a family from Woodland Hills, consisting of six adults and a few children, were having a picnic at the park when the attack occurred. The children were playing near the picnic table when the mountain lion attacked the 5-year-old boy, causing significant but non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses to the attack saw one or more adults charge at the lion, causing it to release the boy. The lion then climbed up a nearby tree where it remained until rangers arrived. In consultation with wildlife officers, it was decided that the mountain lion was a threat to public safety and it was euthanized.
As per standard protocol, evidence samples were taken from the victim's wounds and clothing, which were later confirmed to be a DNA match to the mountain lion by the Wildlife Forensic Lab. Both CDFW and State Parks officials expressed their relief that the family is safe and that the boy is recovering. They also expressed gratitude that no one else was injured in the attack.
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