A solo female hiker has died after a suspected mountain lion attack, the first fatal incident of its kind in Colorado since 1999.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed that at around 12.15pm on Thursday, hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County saw a mountain lion near a woman lying on the ground about 100 yards away. The witnesses threw rocks at the animal, scaring it away, but found the woman without a pulse. A physician among the group confirmed her death.
CPW launched an extensive search and euthanised two mountain lions found in the area. In accordance with policy, any wildlife involved in a human attack must be euthanised to ensure public safety. The woman was hiking alone; the coroner will release the cause of death later, and the lions will be tested for human DNA.
The last fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado was in 1999, when three-year-old Jaryd Atadero went missing. His remains were found in 2003, and authorities concluded he was likely killed by a mountain lion.
CPW advised hikers to remain vigilant, make noise if they spot a lion, and keep pets on leads. Mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer to lower elevations.
