UPDATE: A Colorado woman was tragically mauled to death by a mountain lion on January 1, 2023, marking the first fatal attack since 1999, according to wildlife officials. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. on the Crosier Mountain Trail in unincorporated Larimer County, shocking the local community.
Witnesses, a group of hikers, reported seeing the mountain lion near the victim, lying on the ground approximately 100 yards away. They alerted authorities and attempted to scare the lion away by throwing rocks. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the woman showed no signs of life when they reached her.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene and initially shot at the mountain lion, which fled the area. However, wildlife officials were able to track the animal down and euthanized it for public safety. A second mountain lion was found nearby and was also put down. It remains unclear whether one or both animals were involved in the deadly attack.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, but her family has been notified. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesperson Kara Van Hoose indicated that the woman was likely hiking alone when the attack occurred, as her body exhibited clear signs of a mountain lion assault.
Authorities, including the Larimer County sheriff and police from nearby Estes Park, are conducting an ongoing investigation. They are utilizing volunteers, including a biologist surveying deer from a helicopter, and local houndsmen to assist in tracking and securing the area.
In a statement, CPW assured the public that any wildlife involved in human attacks must be euthanized to ensure safety. They will perform necropsies on the mountain lions to check for abnormalities and diseases like rabies.
The Crosier Mountain Trail, located near the Wyoming border and close to Rocky Mountain National Park, is known for its seclusion and often limited cell service for hikers. Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are solitary predators primarily found in western states, including Colorado. Attacks on humans are extremely rare; CPW reports only 28 incidents since 1990, with the last fatality occurring over two decades ago.
Despite this rarity, the public is urged to stay vigilant. CPW advises outdoor enthusiasts to expect wildlife encounters, especially in winter when mountain lions follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If spotted, hikers should make noise to scare them off, appear larger, and back away slowly. Pets should be kept on-leash and away from wildlife.
As authorities continue to investigate this shocking event, the community mourns the loss of a life taken too soon. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from this tragic incident.
