A woman was killed Thursday in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone in the mountains of northern Colorado. This incident marks the first documented fatal attack by a mountain lion in the state in over 25 years, according to authorities.
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred south of Glen Haven, approximately 7 miles northeast of Estes Park, near the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Two hikers discovered the woman’s body shortly before noon along a remote section of the Crosier Mountain trail, located within a national forest.
Responding to the scene, the hikers attempted to scare away a mountain lion near the body by throwing rocks. One hiker, a physician, determined the woman had no pulse. Details regarding the woman’s injuries and the official cause of death have not yet been released.
Wildlife officials located and fatally shot two mountain lions in the area following the attack, as stated by Kara Van Hoose with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A search for additional mountain lions is currently underway, and Van Hoose indicated that any further actions regarding other lions will depend on the specific circumstances encountered.
Context and Previous Attacks
While mountain lion sightings are common in the forested area, documented attacks on humans are rare. The last suspected fatal attack in Colorado occurred in 1999, claiming the life of a 3-year-old. Prior to that, in 1997, a 10-year-old boy was killed and dragged away by a mountain lion while hiking with his family in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Last year, a similar incident occurred in Northern California, where two brothers were attacked by a mountain lion after being stalked. Tragically, one of the brothers died as a result of his injuries.
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or catamounts, can weigh up to 130 pounds and grow to over six feet in length. Their primary prey is deer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being done to ensure public safety?
The search for other mountain lions in the area is ongoing. Kara Van Hoose stated that circumstances will dictate whether additional lions are killed.
Is this time of year particularly risky for mountain lion encounters?
According to Kara Van Hoose, this is a common time of year for mountain lion sightings and reports, especially in Larimer County, which provides ideal mountain lion habitat.
Where did the attack take place?
The attack occurred in the mountains south of Glen Haven, about 7 miles northeast of Estes Park, along a remote section of the Crosier Mountain trail within a national forest.
Given the ongoing search and the inherent unpredictability of wildlife behavior, what precautions should hikers take when exploring mountain lion habitat?
