Woman Dies In Rare Attack By Mountain Lion In Colorado

A woman died in a suspected mountain lion attack on Thursday (January 1) in northern Colorado, marking the state's first deadly encounter with the animal since 1999. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, two hikers discovered the woman on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County around 12:15 p.m. The hikers saw a mountain lion near her body and scared it away by throwing rocks. One of the hikers, a physician, checked for a pulse but found none.

The attack occurred about seven miles northeast of Estes Park, near the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildlife officers later located two mountain lions in the area and euthanized them, as reported by The Colorado Sun. The animals will be tested for human DNA and examined for diseases such as rabies and avian influenza.

Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, stated that mountain lion attacks are rare, with only 28 reported incidents since 1990. The last fatal attack in Colorado occurred in 1999, when a three-year-old was killed. If confirmed, this would be the fifth fatal attack in Larimer County.

Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, which are classified as a big game species and can be hunted. The state's wildlife agency advises those who encounter a mountain lion to make noise, appear larger by holding objects overhead, and slowly back away. The identity of the victim and the official cause of death will be released by the Larimer County coroner's office.