Young boy survives cougar attack near Lillooet

A 10-year-old boy has a family dog to thank after the pup sprang up to protect him from an attacking cougar.

According to a social media post from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident happened Monday afternoon (Aug. 31) near Marshall Lake northwest of Lillooet.

A group of two women and four children were walking on a trail when the boy ran ahead.

The cougar dropped out of a tree and swiped at the boy, knocking him down. The cat then pounced on the boy scratching his back and chest.

The border collie jumped on the cougar’s back while the others in the group began yelling and throwing rocks and sticks at the cat, causing it to run away.

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The CO Service said a nearby road worker helped tend to the boy’s injuries and he was taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Conservation officers remain on scene and, along with a team of trained hounds, are trying to track the cat down.

The service said cougar attacks are not common, but it advises anyone heading into the back country to use caution and be prepared in case they encounter wildlife.