A woman's tragic death in a suspected mountain lion attack has left Colorado reeling, marking the state's first deadly encounter since 1999. The incident unfolded on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, where hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a motionless woman around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday. The hikers, including a physician, bravely confronted the lion, using rocks to scare it away and tending to the victim. Despite their efforts, the woman was pronounced dead, with no pulse detected. The Larimer County Coroner will release the victim's identity and cause of death, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife is treating the case as a suspected mountain lion attack. The agency's spokesperson, Kara Van Hoose, noted that while signs suggested a mountain lion attack, definitive proof is still pending. The search for the mountain lion was extensive, involving Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters. A mountain lion was initially located and shot by officers, but it fled and was later tracked and euthanized. A second mountain lion was also found nearby and euthanized, adhering to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's policy of euthanizing wildlife involved in human attacks. The necropsy on the mountain lions will reveal any abnormalities or neurological diseases, including rabies and avian influenza, and will also be tested for human DNA. A third mountain lion, seen near the incident area, is currently being searched for. Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes that mountain lion attacks on humans are rare, with only 28 reported since 1990. The last fatal attack occurred 27 years ago in 1999. The area, described as remote and heavily wooded, is known for its diverse wildlife, including bears and moose. Van Hoose advises hikers to expect wildlife encounters and to take precautions like making noise, holding objects overhead, and backing away from mountain lions to ensure their safety.
