A family outing at Malibu State Creek Park in Calabasas, California, took a terrifying turn over the weekend when a mountain lion attacked a five-year-old boy, attempting to drag him into the woods. The quick actions of the child’s father likely saved his life.
Attack at a family picnic
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. The family was enjoying a picnic when the mountain lion suddenly lunged at the young boy, grabbing him by the head and attempting to run off with him. At least six adults were nearby when the attack happened. “
Somebody screamed the baby’s name, and his dad started running,” the boy’s aunt recounted to KTLA. “The father grabbed the mountain lion with his hands, and he just fought. Then the mountain lion let go.” The harrowing scene unfolded in front of approximately 40 witnesses, many of whom described the animal as appearing unafraid even after seizing the child.
Mountain lion euthanized for public safety
Following the attack, wildlife officials determined the mountain lion posed a significant threat to public safety and euthanized the animal. Mountain lions can weigh up to 150 pounds and reach lengths of up to eight feet, making them formidable predators. Emergency personnel airlifted the boy to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. While he was initially released from the hospital, complications due to an eye injury led to his return on Monday.
DNA evidence confirms mountain lion’s identity
When officials arrived at the scene, they found the mountain lion crouched in a tree near the picnic area. Wildlife experts were able to match the lion’s DNA with swabs taken from the bite marks on the child, confirming the animal’s involvement before it was euthanized. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters, even in popular recreational areas.