Woman Killed in Mountain Lion Attack on Colorado Trail
Hiker Killed on Crosier Mountain Trail
A female hiker was killed by a mountain lion on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, Colorado, on Thursday, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and local authorities. The incident occurred on a section of the trail located near Estes Park. Officials have not yet released the victim's identity.
CPW reported that this death is the first fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado since 1999. The attack took place along the popular Crosier Mountain trail, prompting a significant response from wildlife officers and local law enforcement.
Witnesses Report Mountain Lion Near Victim
According to CPW, a group of hikers on the trail saw a mountain lion near the victim's body. The hikers reported throwing rocks at the animal, which caused the mountain lion to flee the immediate area. Their account was included in an official CPW press release describing the circumstances around the discovery of the victim.
The Estes Park Police Department responded to the scene of the attack. In a public statement, the department offered condolences to the victim's family, friends, and loved ones, noting that the Town of Estes Park was deeply saddened by the news of the suspected fatal mountain lion attack.
Wildlife Officials Euthanize Two Mountain Lions
Following the attack, officers euthanized two mountain lions in the area of Crosier Mountain. CPW stated that this action is in accordance with its policy, which requires that wildlife that attacks humans must be euthanized. Authorities have not yet determined how many animals were directly involved in the attack.
CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said authorities are looking for a potential third mountain lion associated with the incident. The ongoing search reflects uncertainty about whether additional animals may have been present or involved when the hiker was killed.
Trails Closed and Local Reactions
The U.S. Forest Service reported that trails on Crosier Mountain remain closed following the attack. The closure affects public access to the area where the incident occurred as officials continue their investigation and monitoring of wildlife activity.
Nearby resident Kellie Mahoney, who owns a cabin close to the site of the attack, said in a video shared with ABC News that she had previously seen a family of four mountain lions in the area. She described observing one large cat followed by three others descending from the mountain together.
Mountain Lion Presence in Colorado
CPW noted that mountain lions are also known as cougars, pumas, panthers, or catamounts. The agency estimates that there are between 3,800 and 4,400 mountain lions currently in the wild in Colorado. CPW stated that mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations.
In guidance included with its statement on the attack, CPW advised that if lions are spotted, people should make noise to scare them away, hold objects overhead to appear larger, and begin backing away from the animal. The agency also advised that pets should be kept on a leash and not allowed to interact with wildlife.