Woman Found Dead on Colorado Trail in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack

On January 1, 2026, a woman was found dead on the Crosier Mountain trail near Glen Haven, Colorado, with injuries consistent with a mountain lion attack. This marks the state's first fatal encounter with a mountain lion since 1999.

Two hikers discovered the woman around 12:15 p.m., observing a mountain lion near her body. They scared the animal away by throwing rocks and attempted to assist the woman, but she was unresponsive. The Larimer County Coroner's Office has scheduled an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

In response, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers, along with local law enforcement, tracked and euthanized two mountain lions in the vicinity. Necropsies will be conducted to determine if these animals were involved in the attack and to check for diseases such as rabies or avian influenza. A search for a third mountain lion reported in the area is ongoing.

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in Colorado, with only 28 reported incidents since 1990. The state's mountain lion population is estimated between 3,800 and 4,400. CPW advises the public to travel in groups, keep children close, and avoid hiking during dawn and dusk when mountain lions are most active. In the event of an encounter, individuals should maintain eye contact, make themselves appear larger, and back away slowly without running.