Mountain Lion Suspected in Fatal Colorado Hiking Attack on Woman

A tragic event unfolded in northern Colorado when a woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone. This incident marks the first fatal attack by a mountain lion in the state in over 25 years.

Incident Details

The attack occurred south of Glen Haven, approximately seven miles northeast of Estes Park, near the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The assault took place along the Crosier Mountain trail, a remote hiking area within a national forest.

Shortly before noon, two hikers encountered a mountain lion near the victim’s body. They attempted to scare off the animal by throwing rocks, allowing one of the hikers, a physician, to assist the victim. Unfortunately, upon examination, no pulse was detected.

Actions Taken by Authorities

• Wildlife officers located and fatally shot two mountain lions later that day.
• Authorities, led by Kara Van Hoose from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, are conducting ongoing searches for additional mountain lions in the area.
• Further decisions on slaughtering other lions will depend on specific circumstances.

Background on Mountain Lion Attacks

Mountain lion attacks are extremely rare in Colorado. The last suspected fatal attack prior to this incident occurred in 1999 when a 3-year-old child lost their life. In another incident in 1997, a 10-year-old boy was killed in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Although mountain lion sightings are common in Larimer County due to its rich habitats, there have been no documented attacks on humans recently. Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, which primarily prey on deer.

Statistics on Mountain Lions

This tragic event has raised awareness about hiking safety in areas where mountain lions are prevalent. Hikers are advised to stay vigilant and travel in groups whenever possible to reduce risks when exploring remote trails.