A 10-year-old boy is recovering in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a cougar attack near Lillooet Monday.

The Conservation Officer Service says the boy was walking with his family outside a remote family cabin near Marshall Lake, Aug. 31. The boy ran ahead of the family along the trail when the cougar dropped from a tree, swiped at the boy and knocked him down, scratching his back and chest.

A border collie with the group of two adults and four children jumped on the cougar's back, while the remaining group threw sticks and rocks and screamed at the cougar until it ran away.

A nearby road worker helped with first aid until the boy could get to hospital.

A Conservation Officer predator attack team remains on site, the service said Wednesday, Sept. 2, and are using hounds to track the cougar.

While cougar attacks are rare, Conservation Officers urge anyone venturing into the backcountry to be prepared in case of any wildlife encounters. Find safety tips here.

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