Cyclist hospitalized after cougar encounter on Washington state trail

Washington – A cougar attacked a group of five cyclists on a bike trail in Washington state, resulting in one woman being hospitalized. The attack occurred just before 1 p.m. Saturday on a trail northeast of Fall City in King County, prompting an immediate response from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers.

A Rare and Alarming Encounter

Upon arrival at the scene, WDFW officers managed to remove one cougar. Despite this, there were reports of a possible second cougar lurking in the vicinity. Efforts to locate the second animal ensued, with a hound handler dispatched to the area, though the search yielded no findings.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife underscores the rarity of cougar attacks on humans, noting that in the past century, Washington state has witnessed only two fatal attacks and 20 other instances where individuals sustained injuries. Given the uncommon nature of such encounters, the department advises the public on the proper actions to take if faced with a cougar. Individuals should not run, maintain eye contact with the animal, attempt to appear larger, make noise, and be prepared to defend themselves aggressively if an attack ensues.

This recent cougar attack serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of being vigilant while enjoying outdoor activities in areas known for the presence of such predators.