A woman died after a suspected mountain lion attack in northern Colorado — the first fatal incident in the state since 1999, prompting authorities to euthanize two lions and test them for human DNA.
A woman was found dead Thursday on a hiking trail in northern Colorado, in what authorities believe to be a rare fatal mountain lion attack.
Hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County spotted a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground around 12:15 p.m., according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The hikers drove the animal away by throwing rocks before finding the victim had no pulse.
“Mountain lion attacks in Colorado are considered to be very rare,” CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said at a news conference. While 28 previous attacks have been reported to CPW since 1990, the last fatal attack was in 1999, the agency said.
The Larimer County coroner is expected to release the victim’s identity and cause of death, Van Hoose said.
CPW, which is leading the investigation, said officers shot at a lion on the scene, and later tracked and euthanized it. Another lion in the area was also euthanized by officers.
Wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized for public safety, CPW said. The animals will be tested for human DNA to determine whether they were responsible for the attack and will also be examined for any abnormalities or neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza.
Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,000 mountain lions with populations growing since they were classified as a big game species in 1965, according to CPW’s website.
Living mostly in brushy areas and woodlands in low elevation, the animals largely prey on deer and elk.
CPW advises anyone who encounters a mountain lion to make noise, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and slowly back away.
Mountain lions are apex predators, and while they generally avoid humans, encounters are more common in areas where human activity encroaches on their habitat. The incident underscores the importance of understanding how to react when faced with such a threat — a lesson that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike.
For those planning to hike or recreate in mountainous regions, the event serves as a sobering reminder that even in the most scenic and remote areas, wildlife can pose unexpected dangers. Authorities recommend carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking, and avoiding hiking alone during dawn or dusk — when mountain lions are most active.
The victim’s family has not yet been publicly identified, but CPW has stated they are working with local law enforcement and coroners to release more information as it becomes available.
Mountain lion attacks are statistically rare, but their occurrence has increased slightly in recent years as their habitat expands into areas previously dominated by human development. Conservation efforts have contributed to their population growth, but this also increases the likelihood of human-wildlife interactions.
Wildlife experts emphasize that while these animals are not inherently aggressive, they can become dangerous if they perceive a threat or feel cornered. The incident in Colorado highlights the need for continued education and preparedness among residents and visitors to mountainous regions.
For more information on mountain lion behavior and safety tips, visit the official CPW website.
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