Woman Killed in Rare Suspected Mountain Lion Attack in Colorado
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A rare and tragic incident has unfolded in Colorado, with officials confirming the death of a woman in a suspected mountain lion attack on Thursday. The incident, occurring along the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County, marks the first fatal mountain lion attack in the state in nearly three decades.
A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) stated that hikers discovered the adult woman lying on the ground around 12:15 p.m., with a mountain lion observed nearby, approximately 100 yards away. The hikers promptly attempted to scare the animal away by throwing rocks and then provided assistance to the victim.Tragically, a physician among the witnesses resolute the woman had no pulse.
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and will be released by the Larimer County Coroner. CPW is currently investigating the incident as a suspected mountain lion attack, though definitive confirmation is still pending. “There were signs that this was consistent with a mountain lion attack but we can’t say without a doubt,” the spokesperson explained to reporters. Authorities believe the woman was hiking alone at the time of the attack.
Extensive Search and Euthanization of Mountain Lions
Following the discovery, a large-scale response was launched, involving CPW, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters. The search effort was bolstered by a CPW biologist conducting aerial deer surveys and teams of houndsmen utilizing dogs to track the scent of mountain lions.
One mountain lion was initially located at the scene but fled when officers discharged a firearm. The animal was afterward tracked and euthanized, in accordance with CPW policy which mandates the euthanization of wildlife involved in attacks on humans for public safety. Shortly after, a second mountain lion was found nearby and also euthanized.
“It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack,” CPW stated in a news release. pathologists will conduct a thorough necropsy on both animals, examining for abnormalities, neurological diseases such as rabies and avian influenza, and the presence of human DNA. If no human DNA is found, the search for additional animals will continue.
Third Mountain lion Sought; Attacks Remain Rare
As of Friday, authorities are actively searching for a third mountain lion that was reportedly sighted in the vicinity of the incident.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered exceptionally rare. CPW records indicate 28 previous attacks have been reported as 1990, with the last fatal attack occurring in 1999 – 27 years prior to this incident.
The area where the attack occurred is described as remote and heavily wooded, a common habitat for mountain lions, and also other wildlife including bears and moose. According to CPW, encounters with wildlife, including mountain lions, are more frequent during the winter months as the animals follow deer and elk to lower elevations in search of food.
Safety Recommendations for Hikers
CPW advises
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