On Tuesday night in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, a 5-year-old California boy experienced a harrowing encounter with a mountain lion which resulted in his hospitalization. The following day, wildlife wardens were dispatched to the area to search for evidence of the animal. Fortunately, the boy has since been discharged from the hospital and is now home.
Jack, a five-year-old boy, was out for a stroll with his mother and grandfather near Tunitas Creek Road when a mountain lion attacked him close to 7 pm. Jack had been walking ahead of his family when he ran into the juvenile lion.
Captain Patrick Foy commented on the terrifying encounter. He stated, “It was a pretty vicious attack. It took him to the ground and apparently was described as biting into this young child. The mom lunged at the mountain lion and before making contact with it, the lion let her son go.”
Jack’s family reported that he was very battered and bruised. The sheriff reported that Jack had puncture wounds, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stated that the cougar had been gnawing on him.
Jack’s aunt created a GoFundMe page in order to support the family with the medical expenses. She mentioned that Jack’s parents work on an organic farm and all their produce is used to provide meals to people who are facing homelessness.
Jack’s family and friends are thankful that the outcome of the mountain lion attack wasn’t worse.