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7-year-old boy mauled by two cougars in British Columbia

LAKE COWICHAN, B.C. — A 7-year-old boy is in serious condition after two cougars mauled him in British Columbia on Friday.

Conservation officers said the boy was attacked near a home in Lake Cowichan – about 55 miles northwest of Victoria.

The boy suffered head, neck and arm injuries, and was airlifted to a hospital.

Officers tracked down the two cougars – which were still on the property.

“From the first look, they’re quite thin. They’re young cats, not looking like they’re doing very well,” said Scott Norris, with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service.

The two cougars were euthanized and officers are now warning neighbors to be on alert for any other animals in the area.

“Cats that are not very well-fed are the ones who are going to take chances and do things they shouldn’t necessarily be doing,” Norris said.

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