Mountain Lion Attack

Date: February 6, 2012
Contact: David Elkowitz, 432-477-1108

A mountain lion attack occurred on February 5th in the Chisos Basin area of Big Bend National Park. A six-year-old boy received non-life-threatening injuries during the attack. 

Once the report was received, park rangers closed the high Chisos Mountain trails into the area at approximately 8:00 a.m., February 6th, and began patrols for the animal. Additional park personnel began patrols to notify trail users of the closure and to evacuate the area. A trained, professional dog team has been summoned to the park to help track the lion; however, at this time the lion has not been located.

Trail and campsite closures include the Window Trail, which is closed until further notice; the Pinnacles, Boulder Meadow, and Juniper Flat campsites of the Chisos Mountains are closed until further notice. Children are not advised to hike in the Chisos Mountains at this time and visitors should check on trail closures, which may change.

The trails and campsites listed will remain closed until further notice. For updates or additional information please call the park at 432-477-1107.