Authorities in Colorado are investigating a suspected fatal mountain lion attack after a woman was found dead on a hiking trail in Larimer County on Thursday. Hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near the body and scared it away by throwing rocks, but the woman was unresponsive.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers, along with local law enforcement, responded to the scene and located one mountain lion, which was shot and later euthanized. A second lion was also found nearby and euthanized. It is unclear if one or both animals were involved in the attack.
According to CPW, mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in Colorado, with only 28 reported since 1990. The last fatal attack occurred in 1999. The state's mountain lion population is estimated between 3,800 and 4,400.
Necropsies will be performed on the animals to check for abnormalities and diseases such as rabies and avian influenza. CPW policies require euthanasia of wildlife involved in attacks on humans to ensure public safety.
