A 12-year-old Kamloops boy who survived a cougar attack on Thursday is spending his long weekend in hospital, his father said.

Colton Reeb, above, is upset about having his camping trip cut short, his father says.

Colton Reeb is recovering at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, two days after being mauled by a cougar at a campground in Clinton.

"He woke up and we asked him how he was doing and he cracked a smile," said Robin Reeb.

"We told him that he's going to be in the hospital for a while.… He's upset he was going to miss out on his camping trip," the father said.

Colton Reeb's parents held a press conference on Friday, praising the heroic actions of Marc Patterson, a family friend who fought the cougar off the boy.

Robin Reeb talks to reporters Friday about the cougar attack on his son.
(CBC)

"If not for his bravery and quick action, this would be a different interview. Our son would not be here with us," said Lisa Osaduik.

Colton Reeb was camping with a friend's family on Wednesday at a campground near Clinton, B.C., northwest of Kamloops.

The group had just finished eating dinner and Reeb took the short walk to the outhouse alone. That's when the cougar attacked.

Reeb was airlifted to the Children's Hospital, and has been treated for major lacerations on his scalp and face. He also suffered puncture wounds along his ribs and claw marks on his arms.

Reeb is likely to remain in the hospital for another week, then head back to Kamloops to continue his recovery, his parents said.