A solo hike in the Colorado mountains ended in tragedy after a woman was killed in what authorities believe was a mountain lion attack.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed it is investigating a suspected fatal encounter that occurred on the Crosier Mountain Trail in unincorporated Larimer County on Thursday, January 1.
According to officials, hikers in the area called authorities around 12:15 p.m. after spotting a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground. As they approached, the witnesses reportedly threw rocks at the animal, causing it to flee. They then rushed to help the woman but were unable to find a pulse.
Officials say there were visible signs consistent with a mountain lion attack, though the investigation is ongoing and a final determination has not yet been made. Authorities believe the woman was hiking alone at the time.
A large-scale search operation was quickly launched involving Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer Firefighters. A CPW biologist conducting aerial deer surveys in the area also assisted by helping spot wildlife and transport personnel. Trained hounds were later brought in to track the scent of mountain lions.
During the search, two mountain lions were located and euthanized in accordance with CPW policy, which requires wildlife involved in attacks on humans to be put down to protect public safety. Officials said it remains unclear whether one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack.
The euthanized animals will undergo necropsies, including testing for human DNA. If no evidence links them to the victim, officials say the search for the responsible animal will continue. The woman’s identity and official cause of death will be released by the Larimer County Coroner.
Fatal mountain lion attacks are extremely rare in Colorado. According to CPW, the last confirmed deadly attack occurred in 1999, and only 28 mountain lion attacks on humans have been reported statewide since 1990.
Wildlife officials note that mountain lions are more visible during the winter months and are common in this region, which is also home to bears and moose. They urge hikers to stay alert, keep pets leashed, and know how to respond during an encounter — including making noise, raising objects overhead to appear larger, and slowly backing away.