Rare incident: A young child is bitten by a mountain lion during a family hike on a well-trodden trail within Olympic National Park.
A rare and unfortunate incident occurred on July 20, 2025, at Olympic National Park near the Victoria Overlook area on Hurricane Ridge. A 4-year-old child was bitten by a collared mountain lion during a family hike. The child's father bravely intervened, pulling the animal away, and the child was airlifted by a LifeFlight helicopter to a Level 1 trauma center in Seattle. The child is now recovering[1][2][3][4].
Following the attack, park rangers and a canine tracking team quickly located the cougar, which was euthanized the next morning to prevent further threats. The National Park Service has confirmed there is no ongoing danger to visitors, although the incident is under investigation[1][3].
Mountain lion attacks are extremely rare in Olympic National Park, where cougars live at low population densities but are known to be territorial. To reduce the risk of encounters, the park advises visitors to follow safety tips such as:
- Keep children close and within sight at all times.
- Avoid hiking alone; groups are less likely to be attacked.
- Never run if you encounter a mountain lion; running may trigger a chase response.
- Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
- If attacked, fight back using any available objects to deter the cougar.
This incident underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness when hiking in cougar habitat. It is important to remain aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of encounters[3].
If you encounter a mountain lion, back up slowly and make yourself appear big. You can also make noise, wave trekking poles, throw stones, or do whatever it takes to get the animal to retreat. If you witness such an incident, contact park rangers at 888-653-0009 or email [email protected].
Hurricane Ridge is one of the busier mountain areas in Olympic National Park, accessible by car or bus, and offers multiple short, family-friendly trails. Always be prepared and informed when hiking or recreating in areas where mountain lions may be present. For more information, consider reading our article on what to do if you meet a mountain lion on the trail[5].
References:
[1] National Park Service, "Olympic National Park News," www.nps.gov/olym/learn/news/index.htm
[2] KING 5 News, "4-year-old child attacked by mountain lion in Olympic National Park," www.king5.com/article/news/local/olympic-national-park/4-year-old-child-attacked-by-mountain-lion-in-olympic-national-park/536-2bfe5032-194c-4e02-9170-35e6728c6d8b
[3] The Seattle Times, "4-year-old child attacked by mountain lion in Olympic National Park," www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/4-year-old-child-attacked-by-mountain-lion-in-olympic-national-park/
[4] KOMO News, "4-year-old child attacked by mountain lion in Olympic National Park," www.komonews.com/news/local/4-year-old-child-attacked-by-mountain-lion-in-olympic-national-park
[5] Hiking with Lions, "What to Do if You Meet a Mountain Lion on the Trail," www.hikingwithlions.com/what-to-do-if-you-meet-a-mountain-lion-on-the-trail/
In light of the recent mountain lion attack, outdoor-living enthusiasts may want to reconsider their hiking safety practices, especially when visiting home-and-garden destinations like Olympic National Park. When enjoying sports activities in cougar habitat, it's essential to adhere to safety guidelines and promote lifestyle changes that minimize the risk of encounters. For instance, keeping children close, hiking in groups, and making oneself appear larger can help reduce the likelihood of an attack.
