Mountain lion
The attack happened in the family's yard at their home near Lower River Rd. about 10 miles northwest of Aspen.
The boy suffered injuries to his head, neck, and face, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office.
A news release said the boy and his older brother were outside their home playing in the yard. The boys' mother was inside the home and heard her son start screaming.
The mother ran outside and saw the mountain lion on top of her child. She then fought off the lion and pulled her son out of its grip.
Deputies said the mother sustained minor injuries to her hand and legs.
The boy's father drove the child to Aspen Valley Hospital for treatment.
Pitkin Sheriff's deputies and a U.S. Forest Service officer went to the home and spotted the mountain lion nearby. A short time later, the Forest Service officer put the mountain lion down.
Parks and Wildlife officials are on scene to examine the dead mountain lion and continue their investigation.
Officers are also looking for second mountain lion that had been spotted in the area earlier Friday.
The boy was brought to Children's Hospital via helicopter in fair condition, according to Aspen Valley Hospital.
Kill the animals, pamper the brats. Seems as though which species is endangered has become somewhat skewed?