Woman Dead in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack After Going on Solo New Year’s Hike in Colorado

A woman has died following a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone in Colorado, according to state wildlife officials.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said in a press release that hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground around 12:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, Jan. 1. The incident occurred on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County.

As the hikers approached, they frightened the animal away by throwing rocks, Van Hoose said. They then attempted to help the adult woman but were unable to find a pulse.

“There were signs that this was consistent with a mountain lion attack, but we can’t say for sure,” Van Hoose said, adding that the woman was believed to be hiking alone, according to NBC News.

A coordinated search operation was launched involving CPW officers, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters. A CPW biologist conducting aerial deer surveys in the area assisted with spotting and transporting personnel, while houndsmen used dogs to track mountain lion scents.

Officials located and euthanized two mountain lions during the operation. Van Hoose noted that it remains unclear whether one or multiple animals were involved. Under CPW policy, wildlife suspected of attacking humans must be euthanized to protect public safety.

Necropsies will be performed on the animals to test for disease and to determine whether human DNA is present. The Larimer County Coroner is expected to release the woman’s identity and official cause of death. If testing shows no evidence of human DNA, authorities will continue searching for the mountain lion believed to be responsible, Van Hoose told reporters, per NBC News.

According to CPW, the last fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado occurred in 1999. While encounters are rare, 28 attacks have been reported in the state since 1990.

“This is an area where mountain lions are really common, along with other wildlife like bears and moose,” Van Hoose said, according to NBC News. “Because mountain lions are common here, we do expect conflicts such as sightings or encounters with pets.”

CPW also noted that mountain lions tend to be more visible during the winter months. Officials advise anyone who encounters a mountain lion to make noise, raise objects overhead to appear larger, and slowly back away. Pets should be kept on a leash and not allowed to interact with wildlife.