Woman Dies in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack in Northern Colorado

A woman hiking alone near Glen Haven, Colorado, was found dead on Thursday in a suspected mountain lion attack, marking the state's first fatal incident of this nature in over 25 years.

The incident occurred along the Crosier Mountain trail, a remote area within a national forest approximately seven miles northeast of Estes Park. Shortly before noon, two hikers discovered the woman's body with a mountain lion nearby. They attempted to scare the animal away by throwing rocks to assist the victim. One of the hikers, a physician, found no pulse upon examination.

Wildlife officers later located and euthanized two mountain lions in the vicinity. Kara Van Hoose of Colorado Parks and Wildlife stated that the search for additional mountain lions is ongoing, with decisions on further actions depending on the circumstances.

Mountain lion sightings are common in this forested region, but attacks on humans are rare. The last fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado occurred in 1999, involving a 3-year-old child.

Authorities have not yet released details on the woman's injuries or the official cause of death. Investigations continue as officials work to ensure public safety in the area.