Family reveals what happened moments before Bridger Walker was mauled saving his sister

The parents of Bridger Walker, who was mauled by a dog trying to save his sister, have revealed what led to the tragic attack.

The parents of Bridger Walker, the boy who bravely saved his sister from being mauled by a dog, have revealed what happened just moments before the animal attacked.

Overwhelmed by the love and support Bridger has received, the family finally got around to sharing a lengthy Instagram post explaining what transpired before the tragic attack.

“Our knowledge of events is necessarily limited to what we heard form our now four-year-old daughter and from Bridger’s own account of events,” they wrote in the statement.

“Upon entering the yard, the child with them pointed to one dog and said ‘that is the nice dog,’ and pointed to the other dog in the yard, explaining, ‘this is the mean one’.”

RELATED: Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans pay tribute to Bridger Walker

Bridger Walker, 6, suffered serious facial injuries after protecting his little sister from a vicious dog in the USA.

As the ‘the mean one’ ran at them, Bridger then explained how he “stepped to the side, in front of my sister so that the dog wouldn’t get to her. I kept moving, so it couldn’t get past”.

The dog then leapt up, latching onto Bridger’s cheek.

Even with the dog firmly latched on, Bridger yelled for his sister to “run”.

“After the dog released, Bridger ran to his sister and led her to a more secure part of the yard where he thought they would be safe,” the statement.

The owner secured the dog and ran to Bridger’s aid, applying pressure to his wound and calling for urgent medical care.

Despite the tragic ordeal, his parents insist they are “forever and sincerely grateful for the love and care” the dog’s owners provided.

“It may sound strange, but as the families sat waiting for EMT’s to stabilise Bridger, my wife and I felt a strong spirit of love for all involved.”

The little boy, 6, from Wyoming in the US received 90 stitches after the July 9 dog attack – but his heroic efforts meant his sister was spared.

His story went viral and people around the world praised his selflessness after his aunt paid tribute to the boy on social media.

Since news of Bridger’s heroic efforts spread, a slew of Hollywood stars have also taken to social media to praise the little boy’s actions.

Chris Hemsworth said Bridger would be welcome on the team. Picture: Supplied.

Hulk star Mark Ruffalo was one of the first celebrities to respond, praising the child’s “courage” and “heart”.

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth described him as an “absolute inspiration” and said “your courage is beyond belief and we are all so impressed by you.”

“We’d be honoured to have you on the teammate, we love you and we’re sending you our support.”

Captain America star Chris Evans went a step further by making a personalised video message for the youngster, which his aunt also shared on Instagram.

“Wow, you’re a hero. What you did was so brave, so selfless – your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you.

“I’m going to track down your address and I’m going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it.”