Key Takeaways
- A hiker is believed to have been killed by a mountain lion in Colorado, which would be the first fatal attack in the state since 1999.
- The incident occurred on a remote trail in the Crosier Mountain area, where a group of hikers found the woman’s body and spotted a mountain lion nearby.
- Two mountain lions have been euthanized after an extensive search, and investigators are studying them for signs of human DNA.
- Mountain lion attacks are rare in Colorado, with only 28 recorded since 1990.
- The search for the possible attacker is ongoing, with assistance from local authorities and wildlife experts.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident has occurred in the US state of Colorado, where a hiker is believed to have been killed by at least one mountain lion. According to wildlife officials, this would be the first fatal attack in the state since 1999. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. A group of hikers stumbled upon the woman’s body on a remote trail and spotted a mountain lion nearby, which they were able to scare off by throwing rocks.
The Search and Investigation
The search for the possible attacker is ongoing, with assistance from local authorities and wildlife experts. Two mountain lions have been euthanized after an extensive search, and investigators are currently studying them for signs of human DNA. If neither lion appears to be the culprit, the search will resume for a possible attacker. Under Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rules, wildlife that kills a human being must be euthanized for public safety reasons. The CPW spokesperson, Kara Van Hoose, stated that the hikers had thrown rocks at the mountain lion to drive it away, and CPW officers responding to the scene shot the lion, which ran off. They then tracked it to euthanize it. A second lion was found in the area and was also euthanized.
The Victim and the Location
The victim’s body showed signs of a mountain lion attack, according to Ms. Van Hoose. The local sheriff’s office has notified her next of kin, and will later release her identity. The incident occurred on the Crosier Mountain Trail, which is north of Denver, near the Wyoming border, and close to Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is considered secluded, with hikers often losing their cell signals. The Larimer County sheriff, police from the nearby city of Estes Park, and volunteer firefighters have been assisting in the search. A biologist conducting a deer survey by helicopter in the area helped look for the animal and transport personnel, according to CPW.
Mountain Lion Behavior and Attacks
Mountain lion attacks, both fatal and non-fatal, are rare in the state, with CPW recording 28 total since 1990. Mountain lions, also called pumas, cougars, catamounts, or panthers, can be found throughout North America, but are now mostly found in 15 western states, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation. They are mostly solitary animals, who spend most of their time hunting, according to the foundation. The foundation also notes that mountain lions are generally not aggressive towards humans, but can become so if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young. It is not known if one or multiple animals were involved in the attack, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with hiking and outdoor activities in areas where wildlife is present. The investigation is ongoing, and the CPW is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The search for the possible attacker is ongoing, and the public is being warned to be cautious when hiking in the area. The CPW is also reminding hikers to take necessary precautions when hiking in areas where mountain lions are present, such as making noise while hiking, staying on trails, and avoiding hiking alone. The incident is a sad reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and taking necessary precautions when interacting with nature.