A woman has died in a suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado, marking the state’s first fatal encounter with the predator since 1999, reports Baltimore Chronicle via NBC News. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the incident occurred Thursday on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County. Hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground approximately 100 yards away at around 12:15 p.m.
The hikers attempted to drive the animal off by throwing rocks and then provided aid to the adult woman. One witness, a physician, determined that the woman had no pulse, according to Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The identity of the victim and the official cause of death will be confirmed by the Larimer County Coroner. The agency is treating the incident as a suspected mountain lion attack.
Van Hoose told reporters that while there were indications consistent with a mountain lion attack, authorities cannot yet confirm the exact cause. The woman is believed to have been hiking alone. In response, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, along with Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters, conducted a coordinated search for mountain lions. Assistance was provided by a wildlife biologist performing aerial deer surveys and houndsmen tracking the animals’ scent.
One mountain lion was sighted at the scene but fled when officers fired at it. The animal was subsequently tracked and euthanized. A second mountain lion was found nearby shortly thereafter and was also euthanized in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife policy, which requires that wildlife involved in attacks on humans be removed to ensure public safety. Officials noted it remains unclear whether a single mountain lion or multiple animals were responsible for the attack. Necropsies and tests, including for human DNA, will be performed on both animals.
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