Mountain Lion STRIKES… Family Left Frozen As Boy Is DRAGGED Away!

A family picnic in Southern California took a horrifying turn when a mountain lion attacked a 5-year-old boy, sparking a desperate rescue by his relatives. The shocking incident happened during Labor Day weekend at Malibu Creek State Park, about 30 miles from Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed that the boy survived the attack, though he sustained serious injuries.

The attack occurred around 4:21 p.m. on Sunday, according to a report from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The boy, along with his family from Woodland Hills, California, was enjoying a day outdoors when the unexpected encounter with the mountain lion took place. The family, which consisted of six adults and several children, was seated for a picnic when the wild animal appeared without warning.

While the children were playing near the picnic area, the mountain lion suddenly grabbed the 5-year-old, intending to drag him into the nearby woods. “The children were playing in the immediate vicinity of the family’s picnic table when the mountain lion attacked the boy,” officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated. In a courageous response, multiple adults rushed toward the mountain lion, causing the animal to release the child.

Though the boy’s injuries were described as “significant,” officials confirmed that they were not life-threatening. He was immediately airlifted to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he received treatment for bite and scratch wounds. Fortunately, the child was released from the hospital after treatment.

As the family attempted to recover from the traumatic event, witnesses noted that the mountain lion climbed a nearby tree after the attack. Local authorities, including state park rangers and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, quickly arrived on the scene and located the animal. According to officials, the mountain lion remained in the tree when they arrived.

Given the threat the animal posed to public safety, wildlife officials made the difficult decision to euthanize the mountain lion. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that the animal was shot by park rangers. Standard protocol was followed after the attack, with wildlife officers collecting evidence from the boy’s wounds and his clothing. “Those samples were confirmed a DNA match by the CDFW’s Wildlife Forensic Lab in Sacramento,” officials said.

This terrifying event comes on the heels of another mountain lion attack in Northern California. In May, a 21-year-old man lost his life in El Dorado National Forest, just northeast of Sacramento, when he and his 18-year-old friend were attacked by a cougar. It marked the first fatal mountain lion attack in California in two decades.

Mountain lion attacks on humans in California are extremely rare. Since 1890, fewer than 50 such incidents have been reported in the state, and only six of those have been fatal. The wildlife officials continue to remind residents and visitors to be cautious when enjoying the outdoors, especially in areas known to be home to large predators like mountain lions.

This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even in areas as commonly visited as Malibu Creek State Park. The swift actions of the boy’s family likely prevented a more tragic outcome, but the encounter has left a lasting impact on everyone involved.