Mountain Lion Attacks Child in Calabasas, California

In Calabasas, California on Thursday, a mom rescued her five-year-old son from an attacking 65-pound mountain lion.

After the lion had latched onto the boy, it proceeded to drag him nearly 45 yards across the lawn according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Capt. Patrick Foy. The attack left the boy with multiple injuries to the head, neck, and chest.

“The true hero in this story is his mom because she absolutely saved her son’s life,” said Foy. "Mountain lion attacks are incredibly rare but seemingly on the rise. You need to be aware of your surroundings—even in your own front yard."

The boy’s mother heard the commotion from inside the house and came out to see what was happening. She proceeded to strike and kick the mountain lion until it released her son.

The boy’s parents immediately drove the boy to the hospital and notified authorities of the attack. The responding wildlife agent found the lion at the house crouching in the bushes. The lion was showing aggressive behavior—ears pinned back and hissing—so the agent shot the lion on sight.

“Due to its behavior and proximity to the attack, the warden believed it was likely the attacking lion and to protect public safety shot and killed it on site,” the wildlife department said in a statement on Saturday.

DNA tests proved that this was the attacking lion. Another lion—with no connection to the attack—appeared shortly after and was tranquilized and relocated to another location. This lion was collared and had no history of attacking humans.

The latest reports state that the boy is in a stable condition and recovering. Thankfully his mom was close by and able to save her boy from his attacker.

Mountain lion attacks are seemingly rare but can happen. With populations growing, especially in the Golden State, human-lion encounters are on the rise. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. If attacked, fight like hell.

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