A woman's tragic death in a suspected mountain lion attack has left Colorado in shock, marking the state's first deadly encounter since 1999. The incident unfolded on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, where hikers witnessed a mountain lion near a motionless adult woman. The hikers bravely confronted the predator, using rocks to drive it away, and then provided first aid to the victim. One of the witnesses, a physician, confirmed the woman's tragic demise, stating that no pulse was detected. The victim's identity and cause of death will be released by the Larimer County Coroner.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is treating this incident as a suspected mountain lion attack, with signs indicating a potential attack. The woman was believed to have been hiking alone, adding to the tragedy. The agency, along with local law enforcement and firefighters, conducted an extensive search for mountain lions, aided by a biologist and houndsmen. One mountain lion was located and euthanized, while a second was found and also put down, in line with Colorado Parks and Wildlife's policy to euthanize wildlife involved in attacks on humans. The necropsy of the mountain lions will reveal any abnormalities or diseases, including rabies and avian influenza, and will also be tested for human DNA.
This rare incident has sparked concern, as mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered infrequent. Since 1990, only 28 attacks have been reported to the agency, with the last fatal encounter occurring in 1999. The area, described as remote and heavily wooded, is known for its diverse wildlife, including bears and moose. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hikers to expect wildlife encounters and to take precautions, such as making noise, holding objects overhead, and backing away from mountain lions, to ensure their safety in these common habitats.
