The boy was playing by a tree near his home in Calabasas, west of Los Angeles, on Thursday morning when a 65-pound mountain lion attacked him, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
After law enforcement was notified of the attack, wildlife officials went to the family’s home when an officer noticed an “aggressive” mountain lion in the corner of the property.
Citing safety concerns, officials used a non-lethal tranquilizer on the uncollared, similar mountain lion.
The size of the deceased mountain lion indicated it was a kitten born less than one-year-ago, according to officials.