8-Year-Old Triumphs Over Exceptionally Rare Cougar Attack Near Washington's Lake Angeles

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jul 31, 12:22 am

An 8-year-old child had a miraculous escape with minor injuries after encountering a cougar in Washington's Olympic National Park on Saturday evening. The incident unfolded as the child, who was playing hide-and-seek, was camping with their mother at the picturesque Lake Angeles, nestled in the Heart of the Hills area, south of Port Angeles. According to a news release from the National Park Service, the ferocious feline predator abandoned its attack when confronted by the child's brave and loud mother.

According to CNN, The National Park Service was notified of the attack at 6:30 p.m. and swiftly responded to the distress call. The injured child was provided with immediate medical attention and subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. The family was safely led back to the trailhead by park staff.

Swift Response by Park Personnel: Child with Minor Injuries Rushed to Hospital After Cougar Encounter

In the wake of the rare incident, park authorities took precautionary measures to safeguard visitors and wildlife alike. All campers in the Lake Angeles vicinity were evacuated, and access to the Lake Angeles and Heather Park areas was temporarily suspended until further notice.

Olympic National Park wildlife biologist Tom Kay expressed the severity of the incident, stating, "Due to the extreme nature of this incident, we are closing the Lake Angeles area and several trails in the vicinity." As a result, the Lake Angeles Trail, Heather Park Trail, Switchback Trail, and the entire Klahhane Ridge Trail remain closed until further assessments ensure visitor safety.

In the early hours of Saturday at 5:00 a.m., park law enforcement, accompanied by wildlife personnel specializing in cougar tracking, initiated a search for the animal's last known location. If the cougar is successfully located, authorities plan to euthanize it and perform a necropsy to gather insights into the motives behind the attack. Cougars, also known as panthers, pumas, and mountain lions, are rarely seen, and incidents of attacks on humans are exceptionally rare.

Washington state is home to an estimated 1,900 to 2,100 adult cougars, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Despite their sizeable presence, encounters between cougars and humans are infrequent, with the department noting that a person is a thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than to be attacked by a cougar. Nevertheless, as the human population continues to grow and outdoor recreation becomes increasingly popular, the chances of observing or encountering cougars may rise.

Olympic National Park: A Pristine Wilderness That Requires Awareness Amidst Rare Wildlife Encounters

Olympic National Park has been identified as 'cougar territory,' and park officials urge visitors to adopt precautionary measures while exploring the breathtaking wilderness. Hikers and joggers are advised against venturing alone and are encouraged to remain vigilant of their surroundings. Additionally, making noise while hiking can serve as a deterrent if a cougar is nearby.

The Lake Angeles campground, where the incident occurred, is located approximately 100 miles west of Seattle, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and families seeking a serene wilderness experience.

The National Park Service is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates to the public once the area's safety can be confidently assured. Until then, visitors are urged to exercise caution and abide by the park's guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of the magnificent Olympic National Park.