Fatal Mountain Lion Encounter in Colorado: A Tragic First Since 1999

A hiker in Colorado is believed to have died after an encounter with at least one mountain lion on Wednesday, marking a potential first fatal attack in the state since 1999. Colorado wildlife officials are investigating the incident, which has raised alarms over public safety in areas frequented by outdoor enthusiasts.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with hiking in wildlife territories, particularly as mountain lion populations have gradually increased in Western states. The attack not only poses significant implications for local wildlife management policies but also serves as a reminder of the need for hikers to remain vigilant in areas where potentially dangerous animals may be present.

Key Developments

• The woman’s body was discovered by fellow hikers on a secluded trail, who spotted a mountain lion nearby.
• Two mountain lions have since been euthanized, as investigators search for evidence linking them to the attack.
• Authorities confirmed that signs on the victim’s body were consistent with a mountain lion attack.
• The local sheriff’s office has notified the victim’s next of kin, with her identity to be released at a later date.
• Search efforts involved tracking the animals with dogs and assistance from local law enforcement and biologists.

Full Report

Discovery of the Victim

A group of hikers found the woman’s body on a remote trail known as the Crosier Mountain Trail, situated north of Denver near the Wyoming border. Upon discovering the body, they noticed a mountain lion nearby. After scaring the animal away, they could not locate a pulse on the woman, leading them to alert authorities.

Wildlife Management Response

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) authorities responded promptly, with spokesperson Kara Van Hoose confirming that the situation is still under investigation. CPW officers encountered the first mountain lion at the scene and attempted to track it down after it fled. Once located, the animal was euthanized. A second lion was also found and euthanized as part of the ongoing inquiry into whether either animal was responsible for the fatal attack.

Search and Investigation Efforts

Local law enforcement and volunteer firefighters joined forces to search the vicinity, while biologists conducting aerial surveys for deer provided additional support. Houndsmen were brought in to track scents, a strategy often employed to locate mountain lions in the wild.

Context & Previous Events

This incident marks the first confirmed fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado since 1999, a year noted for its rarity in such occurrences. CPW has recorded a total of 28 mountain lion attacks, both fatal and non-fatal, since 1990, underscoring the uncommon nature of deadly encounters with these apex predators.