Port Angeles, Wash. – The father of a 4-year-old child is greeted as a hero after, according to the park officials, the child was bitten by a mountain lion while walking with his family this weekend on a popular path in the Olympic National Park in Washington State.
The child was transported by plane to a trauma center in Seattle for treatment after Sunday attack, according to a National Park Service Declaration. Affiliate of CBS Seattle Kiro-TV reports that The Harborview Medical Center said that the child was in a satisfactory state and had since been released.
The attack on a mountain lion equipped with a follow -up collar was near an overlook on Hurricane Ridge, a popular mountain area with a breathtaking view.
Elaine Thompson / AP 
The attack was reported to the Rangers around 3:15 p.m. Sunday and paramedical paramedics and the park staff went to the injured child, according to the Park Service.
The Rangers immediately started looking for the cougar and were joined by a canine team around 5 p.m., according to the press release, adding that the Rangers found the cougar shortly after the canine team joined the effort.
On Monday, the park staff had “sent the animal”, according to the press release, using a term which generally refers to the death of an animal.
“There is no current threat to the public,” the statement said.
Officials said they would not publish any childhood identification information to protect their identity.
Kiro says Steve Murrow said to the station that he hiked on Hurricane Trail with his family the same day that the attack occurred. He says they did not see the attack but heard shouting when they approached the region.
“We heard a small child say,” said Murrow.
Murrow and his stepfather, Mike Flenniken, told Kiro that they had mounted and had seen the mother hold the child and a group of people comforting the family.
Murrow and Flenniken say that witnesses told them that the father had been able to keep his child away from the couguar. The two believe that his actions have saved the child’s life.
“I don’t think this kid would survive if it was not for his father who jumps,” said Murrow. “I mean, he is a hero. You know, it comes down to number security and it is rare that something like it happens.”
