Key Takeaways
- A woman has died in a suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado, with hikers discovering her body and scaring the lion away.
- The incident occurred on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County, with the victim’s identity and cause of death to be released by the Larimer County Coroner.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the death as a suspected mountain lion attack, with two mountain lions located and euthanized at the scene.
- The agency notes that mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are rare, with 28 previous attacks reported since 1990, and advises hikers to take precautions when encountering wildlife.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on Thursday in Colorado, where a woman died in a suspected mountain lion attack. The incident took place on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County, with hikers discovering the woman’s body and scaring the lion away. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the hikers saw a mountain lion near a person who was lying on the ground around 12:15 p.m. and threw rocks to scare the lion away. One of the witnesses, a physician, attended to the adult woman but did not find a pulse.
Investigation and Response
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the death as a suspected mountain lion attack, with the victim’s identity and cause of death to be released by the Larimer County Coroner. The agency, along with Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters, responded to the scene and launched an extensive search for mountain lions. They were aided by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county and houndsmen with dogs to track the scent of mountain lions. Two mountain lions were located at the scene, with one running away when officers shot it and later being tracked and euthanized. A second mountain lion was found nearby and also euthanized, in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife policy that mandates wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized for public safety.
Analysis of the Attack
It is currently unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack, with pathologists set to perform a necropsy on the mountain lions to check for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza. The mountain lions will also be tested for human DNA, with a search to continue if no evidence is found. Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered rare, with 28 previous attacks reported to the agency since 1990. The last fatal attack occurred 27 years ago, in 1999. The agency’s spokesperson, Kara Van Hoose, described the area as remote and heavily wooded, with mountain lions being common in the area, along with other wildlife like bears and moose.
Precautions and Advice
The incident serves as a reminder for hikers to take precautions when encountering wildlife in the area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises anyone who may encounter a mountain lion to make noise and scare them, hold objects overhead to appear bigger, and back away from the animal. The agency notes that hikers should expect to encounter wildlife along the Front Range and Larimer County, with mountain lions being more visible in the winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. By taking necessary precautions and being aware of their surroundings, hikers can minimize the risk of encounters with wildlife and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Conclusion and Future Actions
The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of being aware of and respecting wildlife in their natural habitats. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will continue to investigate the incident and take necessary actions to ensure public safety. The agency’s efforts to educate the public on how to encounter wildlife safely and responsibly are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future. By working together, we can promote coexistence with wildlife and minimize the risk of conflicts between humans and animals. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember the importance of respecting and appreciating wildlife, while also taking necessary precautions to ensure our safety and well-being.