Man Punches Cougar in the Face, Saves Toddler
It’s not every day that a man has to fight off a wild animal to protect his family but that’s exactly what Vancouver Island man, Travis Nielson, had to do on Monday afternoon.
The family was enjoying a nice day in their backyard in Tahsis, a small town located on the west side of Vancouver Island, when a cougar jumped on their daughter.
“(Bree) was sitting with a six-week-old puppy and we were just kind of looking at the ocean and enjoying the day and then all of a sudden from behind the shed, my daughter was attacked,” Travis told the Canadian Press.
Andrea Nielson, his wife, described their initial confusion about what was actually happening at the time. “At first, we thought it was a large dog. But then we realized – after my husband pulled my daughter of the way and punched it in the face – that it was actually a cougar."
The cougar dropped the toddler and ran away after Travis shouted and hit the animal in the face.
Travis’ quick decision-making saved the day as their daughter came out of it with only a few small puncture wounds.
The cougar has since been found and put down by Conservation officers.
While animal attacks are not common, Parks Canada officials urge all national park guests to familiarize themselves with animal behaviour warnings for their area.
It is also advisable that travelers carry the proper travel health insurance as a precaution against injury caused by unpredictable weather, terrain, and animal conditions.
As for the Nielsons, Andrea described the event as an “intense day”. When asked about when the family is likely to stop shaking, she said: “Never”.
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