URGENT UPDATE: A woman was tragically killed in a rare mountain lion attack on Thursday, October 5, 2023, while hiking on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, Colorado. This shocking incident occurred around 12:15 p.m., with hikers discovering the victim lying on the ground next to a mountain lion.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the hikers acted quickly by throwing rocks to scare the mountain lion away but were unable to revive the woman, who had no pulse. “Mountain lion attacks in Colorado are considered to be very rare,” stated CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose during a news conference. Since 1990, only 28 mountain lion attacks have been reported to CPW, with the last fatality occurring in 1999.
Law enforcement officials from CPW swiftly responded to the scene, where they shot at the mountain lion. Following the encounter, the animal was tracked down and euthanized. A second mountain lion in the vicinity was also killed for public safety. CPW emphasized that wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to protect the community.
Authorities are conducting tests on the lions to determine if they were responsible for the attack, including examinations for human DNA and potential diseases such as rabies and avian influenza. Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,000 mountain lions, a population that has been growing since 1965, when they were classified as a big game species. These animals primarily inhabit brushy areas and woodlands, preying on deer and elk.
CPW advises the public to remain vigilant when in mountain lion territory. If an encounter occurs, they recommend making noise, holding objects overhead to appear larger, and backing away slowly.
This tragic event underscores the risks associated with wildlife encounters and the importance of safety measures while hiking in natural habitats. As the investigation continues, the Larimer County coroner is expected to release the victim’s identity and cause of death soon.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
