Mountain lion attacks boy in Big Bend National Park

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK – A mountain lion attack occurred Sunday in the Chisos Basin area of Big Bend National Park. A six-year-old boy received non-life-threatening injuries during the attack.

Once the report was received, park rangers closed the high Chisos Mountain trails into the area at about 8am Monday and began patrols for the animal. Additional park personnel began patrols to notify trail users of the closure and to evacuate the area.

A trained, professional dog team has been summoned to the park to help track the lion; however, at this time the lion has not been located.

Trail and campsite closures include the Window Trail, the Pinnacles, Boulder Meadow, and Juniper Flat campsites.

Children are not advised to hike in the Chisos Mountains at this time, and visitors should check on trail closures. As of Wednesday afternoon, only the Windows trail remained closed, and the mountain lion hadn’t been found.

For updates or additional information, please call the park at 432-477-1107.