UPDATE: A Colorado woman was tragically mauled to death by a mountain lion on January 1, 2023, marking the first fatal attack since 1999, wildlife officials confirmed. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was found around 12:15 p.m. on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, a remote area near the Wyoming border and close to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Witnesses, a group of hikers, reported seeing a mountain lion near the victim from approximately 100 yards away. “As they approached, the witnesses scared the lion from the area by throwing rocks at the animal,” said a statement from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Despite their efforts to help, the hikers found no pulse when they reached the woman.
Firefighters arrived promptly and shot at the mountain lion, which fled the scene. Authorities later tracked and euthanized the animal, along with a second mountain lion found nearby. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) stated that wildlife involved in human attacks must be euthanized to ensure public safety. It is still unclear whether one or both lions were involved in the fatal incident.
The woman was believed to be hiking alone when she was attacked, as her body showed clear signs of a mountain lion encounter, confirmed CPW Spokesperson Kara Van Hoose. Local law enforcement, including the Larimer County sheriff and police from Estes Park, are actively investigating the incident. Volunteers, including a biologist conducting a deer survey, have also joined the search efforts.
CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the euthanized lions to check for abnormalities and potential diseases, including rabies. The Crosier Mountain Trail is known for its seclusion, with hikers often experiencing a loss of cell signal.
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are solitary creatures prevalent in 15 western states, including Colorado. Although attacks on humans are extremely rare, with only 28 reported instances since 1990, the last fatality occurring in 1999, officials urge the public to remain vigilant.
CPW advises hikers along the Front Range and in Larimer County to expect wildlife encounters, especially during winter as mountain lions follow deer and elk to lower elevations. “If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them away, hold objects overhead to appear larger, and back away slowly,” the statement advised. Pets should always remain on-leash and should not interact with wildlife.
As investigations continue, the woman’s family has been notified, and her identity will be released at a later date. This tragic event highlights the importance of awareness and caution in Colorado’s wilderness. Follow us for more updates on this developing story.
