:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/02-18-2024/t_29f67efa2d4446e4a5223e72c74fbcfb_name_11p__Cougar_Attack_transfer_frame_156.jpeg "5 bicyclists attacked by cougar in King County – KIRO 7 News Seattle")
KING COUNTY, Wash. – Five bicyclists were struck by a group of people in King County around 1 p.m. Saturday.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and WildlifeAuthorities received reports of injuries on a trail northeast of the city of Falls.
Five people traveling in the two-wheeler were attacked and a woman was injured and admitted to the hospital.
WDFD is asking people to avoid the area.
Fish and Wildlife removed one cougar at the scene and a hound handler was dispatched to find a second cougar involved.
First responders told KIRO 7 a 60-year-old woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries to her face, neck and jaw. According to Sgt. Carlo Pace with the Fish and Wildlife Police, woman must be right.
“I hope she's going to recover. She's going to be fine. I'm hearing it's not life-threatening,” said Sgt. Pace.
Pace said Sergeant and other cyclists were able to take the Cougar down with a mountain bike and hold it off until officers arrived.
He said the cougar was shot and killed by an officer.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife says cougar attacks are rare in our area, but if you ever encounter a cougar, don't run, keep your eyes on them, act bigger, make noise, and fight back if you're attacked. He believes it was the actions of other cyclists that saved the woman's life.
“But if it wasn't for the response of her friends, it would have been a lot worse because these animals are dangerous,” Sgt. Pace said.
The search for the second Cougar isn't quite over. Pace said sergeant officers will be patrolling the area and asking the public to avoid the area until they believe the animal is long gone.
