Woman Dies in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack on Colorado Trail

A woman was found dead on the Crosier Mountain Trail in Larimer County, Colorado, on Thursday, with authorities suspecting a rare mountain lion attack. This incident marks the state's first fatal encounter with a mountain lion in over 25 years.

Around 12:15 p.m., two hikers spotted a mountain lion near the woman's body on the trail, located near Glen Haven, approximately seven miles northeast of Estes Park. The hikers threw rocks to scare the animal away and attempted to assist the woman, but she was unresponsive.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers, along with local law enforcement and firefighters, responded to the scene. They conducted an extensive search and euthanized two mountain lions found in the vicinity. CPW policy mandates euthanizing wildlife involved in human attacks to ensure public safety.

The Larimer County Coroner's Office is expected to release the victim's identity and official cause of death. CPW pathologists will perform necropsies on the animals to check for abnormalities and diseases such as rabies and avian influenza.

Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are rare, with 28 reported incidents since 1990. The last fatal attack occurred in 1999. The state is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, classified as a big game species and subject to regulated hunting.

CPW advises hikers to remain vigilant, especially during winter months when mountain lions follow prey to lower elevations. If encountering a mountain lion, individuals should make noise, appear larger by holding objects overhead, and slowly back away. Pets should be kept on leashes and not interact with wildlife.