URGENT UPDATE: A tragic incident occurred on January 1, 2024, when a woman was mauled to death by a mountain lion on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, Colorado. This marks the first fatal mountain lion attack in the state since 1999, raising serious concerns about public safety.
The attack happened around 12:15 p.m. when a group of hikers stumbled upon the woman, whose identity has not yet been released. Witnesses reported seeing a mountain lion near her body from approximately 100 yards away. “As they approached, the witnesses scared the lion from the area by throwing rocks at the animal,” stated the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Despite the swift response from firefighters, who shot at the lion as it fled, officials later tracked and euthanized the animal. A second mountain lion was also found nearby and euthanized, although it remains uncertain if either animal was involved in the attack. Authorities confirmed that wildlife involved in human attacks must be euthanized to protect public safety.
The woman was believed to be hiking alone at the time of the incident, and her body exhibited clear signs of a mountain lion attack, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesperson Kara Van Hoose. The Larimer County sheriff and local police from Estes Park are collaborating with volunteer firefighters and biologists in the ongoing investigation, which includes a necropsy on the euthanized lions to check for diseases.
The Crosier Mountain Trail, situated near the Wyoming border and close to Rocky Mountain National Park, is known for its seclusion and limited cell service, making it critical for hikers to remain vigilant. Mountain lions, or cougars, are solitary animals mostly found in 15 western states, including Colorado. While attacks are extremely rare, with only 28 instances reported since 1990, this incident has heightened awareness about wildlife encounters.
Officials urge residents and visitors to the Front Range and Larimer County to take precautions. “If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them away, hold objects overhead to appear larger, and back away slowly,” the CPW advised. Additionally, pets should be kept on-leash and not allowed to interact with wildlife.
As authorities continue their investigation, the woman’s family has been notified, and her identity will be released at a later date. This shocking event serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife, particularly in rural hiking areas.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to provide further details on the incident and measures to ensure public safety.
