UPDATE: A woman in Colorado was tragically mauled to death by a mountain lion on New Year’s Day, marking the first fatal attack by the animal since 1999. This shocking incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County, according to wildlife officials.
Authorities report that a group of hikers discovered the woman after seeing a mountain lion near her body from approximately 100 yards away. In a dramatic attempt to save her, the hikers threw rocks at the lion, causing it to flee. Tragically, despite their efforts, the woman was unresponsive and showed no signs of life when emergency responders arrived.
“The hikers attended to the adult woman victim but did not find a pulse,” stated the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Responding firefighters quickly located the mountain lion and euthanized it after tracking it down. Authorities later found a second mountain lion in the vicinity, which was also euthanized. Wildlife officials confirm that animals involved in human attacks are typically euthanized to ensure public safety, but it remains unclear whether one or both lions were involved in the fatal incident.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of her family. It is believed she was hiking alone when she encountered the mountain lion. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesperson Kara Van Hoose noted that the woman’s body displayed clear signs of a mountain lion attack.
The search and response efforts involved local law enforcement, volunteers, and even a biologist conducting a deer survey from a helicopter. Houndsmen from the community provided assistance in tracking scents in the wilderness.
“CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals to check for abnormalities and neurological diseases,” the CPW statement confirmed.
The Crosier Mountain Trail is situated near the Wyoming border, north of Denver, and close to Rocky Mountain National Park. It is known for its seclusion, which can lead to a loss of cell service for hikers. Mountain lions, also referred to as pumas or cougars, are solitary animals commonly found in western states, including Colorado.
Despite mountain lion attacks on humans being extremely rare—with only 28 instances reported since 1990—the last fatal attack occurred over two decades ago. Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges the public to remain vigilant while enjoying the outdoors.
The agency advises outdoor enthusiasts to make noise if they encounter a mountain lion, to appear larger, and to back away slowly from the animal. Additionally, it is recommended that pets be kept on leashes and not allowed to interact with wildlife.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers in the wild. Stay tuned for updates as officials continue to investigate this unprecedented attack.
