© DreamstimeA cougar
See a photo of the mountain lion here (WARNING: Graphic).
Emergency crews responded to a report of a mountain lion attack in the foothills near North Bend around 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Eastside fire officials said.
A cougar killed one man, 32, and injured another when it attacked in Washington State on Saturday morning
#Breaking Eastside Fire Fighters are responding for a mountain lion attack in the foothills outside of North Bend. — Eastside Firefighter (@IAFF2878) May 19, 2018King County Sheriff's officials said two mountain bikers were attacked. One was killed. Another is unaccounted for.
#UPDATE @kingcosoPIO says that 2 people were attacked however 1 person is unaccounted for. Deputies and fire fighters are looking for the second victim. https://t.co/0eti2InEox — KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) May 19, 2018KIRO 7's Deborah Horne reports the injured mountain biker was taken to Harborview for treatment. Responders found the mountain biker who was killed with the big cat still standing over the body.
A mountain biker was found dead with a cougar standing over him on a trail #NorthBend. @kingcosoPIO says a second biker was also hurt. Now they are warning hikers to stay away from the Tolt Reservoir/Hancock road area. Working to get more precise location. @KIRO7Seattle — DeborahHorne (@DeborahKIRO7) May 19, 2018Wildlife officials will now work to find the cougar.
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are the largest members of the cat family in Washington state, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Mountain lions can be found throughout Washington state, Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say, where suitable cover and prey live.
Comment: Just to show the rarity of this kind of attack on people another report from The Seattle Times contains the following pertinent extract: Interestingly, Wikipedia lists only 20 fatalities due to cougar attacks in North America between 1890 and 2011. Prior to 1990 most involved children while for the 3 most recent decades fatalities totaled 9 but with only one youngster killed
Are they becoming less wary and aggressive toward adults humans?.
See also these other reports from the last 5 years of non-fatal attacks on people: Jogger uses rock to battle cougar in attack on Vancouver Island, Canada
Cougar attacks pipeline worker near Grande Prairie, Canada
A third cougar attack within a month leaves six-year-old California boy injured
Teenager attacked by cougar in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Some wild animals are losing fear of humans: Biologist recovering after cougar assault in Grand Prairie, Alberta
Cougar attack in British Columbia leaves woman in critical condition
Man fights off cougar with skateboard; Parks Canada tracking animal
Hiker attack by mountain lion reported near Waynesboro, Virginia
Man sustains minor injuries after attack by mountain lion near Libby, Montana
Mountain lion sought after apparent attack on homeless man, Perris, California
Mother pulls mountain lion off her 5-year-old son near Aspen, Colorado