A California child was rushed to the hospital following a rare mountain lion attack in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, authorities said.
The attack occurred at around 6:50 p.m. on the block of Tunitas Creek Road, about 40 miles west of San Francisco.
Deputies were “dispatched to a report of a mountain lion attack and we can confirm a child was transported to a local trauma center after the attack,” the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
The victim was reportedly conscious when transported to the hospital. His current condition is unknown.
“Our coastal community has endured so much these past few weeks. Our entire agency is saddened by this news and sends many warm wishes to the child for a speedy and full recovery. Our thoughts are with the family at this time,” the statement added.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the attack. Neighbor Chad Conover said that the incident was surprising.
“They said everybody's fine, but they had to talk to fish and game, and a warden pulled up right as I pulled out. Typically the mountain lions avoid people, so it's not often you hear about an attack on a human.”
