DNA confirms euthanized mountain lion was responsible for attack on 8-year-old boy

DNA test results confirmed that the mountain lion who attacked an 8-year-old in Bailey last Wednesday has been euthanized by wildlife officials, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Monday.

The University of Wyoming Forensics Lab confirmed a positive match between tissue samples taken from one of two mountain lions euthanized after the attack and tissue and hair samples taken from the neck and chest of the victim.

The boy was attacked at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21 while running to his friend’s house through a backyard and sustained serious injuries.

The following day, CPW wildlife officers and USDA Wildlife Service were already in the immediate area searching for the mountain lion responsible for the attack, when they came across two lions that had been feeding on a domestic goat carcass.

The two male lions were euthanized because they fit the description from the attack and were in close proximity to the attack site. Both lions were tested, but only one matched the DNA samples submitted.

“It is reassuring to know that the mountain lion from both the attack and depredation of the goat was removed from the area,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “This male juvenile mountain lion was not only a threat to human safety, but obviously to livestock and pets as well. We had clear signs that both of these male mountain lions were feeding well in the area, so there was no reason to believe that they would travel elsewhere out of that community any time soon.”

The young boy remains in the hospital. The Platte Canyon Fire Protection District put out a statement with permission from the victim’s family Monday morning, according to CPW’s press release.

“Our young patient had his second surgery yesterday, he continues to persevere and remain brave while healing,” the statement read. “Your ongoing thoughts, prayers and support are appreciated.”