Boy, 2, attacked by cougar on wooded trail

UPDATE: The cougar that attacked a two-year-old near Mission, B.C., on Monday was likely stalking the boy before the attack and pursued him afterwards, a conservation officer says.

The B.C. Conservation Service says a two-year-old boy was attacked by a cougar near Mission, B.C., on Monday.

"It's a trail into a wooded area, and what we know so far is that an adult was taking some children for a walk," said Conservation Officer Todd Hunter.

"It happened very quickly but the person was really close and could grab the child away."

Hunter says it was just after 4 p.m., and the group was heading down a trail toward the parking lot in Cascade Falls Park near Mission.

The boy suffered a puncture wound to his arm, as well as some scratches to his back but wasn't hospitalized.

The trail is a popular dog walking trail, and while it's not clear what prompted the attack, Hunter said there is some evidence that dogs can provoke wildlife.

"We have seen it before, especially on attacks on children, that a dog has been nearby." 

Cascade Falls Park remains closed as officers investigate.

The conservation office hasn't received any previous reports of cougar activity in the area but is strongly suggesting people keep dogs on a leash and children close by.