The cougar responsible for mauling a seven year old boy near Port Alberni has been shot and killed by conservation officers.

Inspector Chris Doyle says the animal was found early this morning... not far from the site of last evening's attack.

He desribes how the mauling unfolded.

"At approximately 8pm, a 7-year old boy was out for a walk with his father by a river bank near Sproat Lake at an undeveloped camp site, when a cougar came out of the bushes and attacked the young boy.  The father heard his son's cries for help and intervened right away and fought the couger off.  The son was transported to hospital."

The boy is being treated for cuts and lacerations to his head and shoulders.

Doyle says he may be released from hospital today.