Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a suspected mountain lion attack that left a woman dead on Jan. 1 on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County. Witnesses reported seeing a mountain lion and scared it off by throwing rocks before finding the woman without a pulse. Two mountain lions were located and euthanized; necropsies will test for disease and human DNA. The Larimer County Coroner will release the victim’s identity and official cause of death once determined.
Woman Killed in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack During Solo New Year’s Hike in Colorado
GettyStock image of a cougar
A woman died on Jan. 1 after what Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials are investigating as a suspected mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County.
Larimer County Sheriff's Office FacebookLarimer County Sheriff's Office vehicles
Incident and Immediate Response
CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground at about 12:15 p.m. local time. According to the agency, witnesses scared the animal away by throwing rocks, then checked the adult woman and found she had no pulse. While there were signs consistent with a mountain lion attack, CPW emphasized the cause of death is not yet confirmed.
GettyMountains in Larimer County, Colorado
Search and Animal Response
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers joined a multi-agency response that included the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Estes Park Police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer Firefighters. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys assisted by spotting animals and transporting personnel, and houndsmen used dogs to track lion scent.
GettyMountain lion warning sign
Two mountain lions were located during the response and euthanized in accordance with CPW policy that animals involved in attacks on humans must be put down to protect public safety. The animals will undergo necropsies to test for disease and to check for human DNA; if neither cat tests positive for human DNA, investigators will continue searching for the animal or animals involved.
Context and Next Steps
CPW noted that the last confirmed fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado occurred in 1999 and that attacks on people are rare — the agency has recorded 28 mountain lion attacks since 1990. The Larimer County Coroner will release the victim’s identity and the official cause of death when available.
Public Safety Guidance
CPW reminded the public that mountain lions are more visible in winter and offered safety tips for encounters: make loud noises to scare the animal away, hold objects overhead to appear larger, and back away slowly. Pets should be kept on-leash and not allowed to interact with wildlife.
Note: This is an active investigation. Officials ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact local authorities.
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