A solo female hiker has been killed in what authorities believe is the first fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado in 27 years. The incident occurred on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County.
Trailside Discovery and Response
At approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026, other hikers on the trail spotted a mountain lion near a woman lying on the ground about 100 yards away. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Public Information Officer Kara Van Hoose detailed the grim discovery at a press conference.
"As the hikers moved closer, they attempted to scare the animal away by throwing rocks," Van Hoose stated. "The lion eventually retreated, and they found an adult woman unresponsive on the trail. One of the witnesses, a physician, could not find a pulse."
Officials are investigating the case as a suspected fatal mountain lion attack. Following the discovery, an extensive search for the predator was launched.
Euthanasia and Historical Context
In line with standard protocol to ensure public safety, wildlife officers located and euthanised two mountain lions in the immediate area. One was shot on scene and later tracked, while a second was found nearby. Both animals will be tested for human DNA.
Van Hoose emphasised that such attacks are exceedingly rare. Since 1990, Colorado has recorded only 28 attacks on humans by mountain lions. The last confirmed fatal attack was in 1999.
That previous incident involved three-year-old Jaryd Atadero, who went missing on 2 October 1999 while walking with a group on the Big South Trail. His remains, found in 2003, led investigators to conclude a mountain lion was responsible. Former Larimer County Sheriff's Sergeant Justin Smith told Denver 7 ABC the evidence was "consistent with an abduction by a cat."
Safety Advice for Hikers
In a media release, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminded the public that encounters with wildlife, including mountain lions, bears, and moose, are common in areas like the Front Range and Larimer County. The agency issued clear guidance for hikers:
- Remain vigilant, especially in winter when lions follow prey to lower elevations.
- If you spot a lion, make noise to scare it away.
- Hold objects overhead to appear larger and back away slowly.
- Always keep pets on a leash and prevent them from interacting with wildlife.
The identity of the deceased woman has not been released. The coroner will confirm the official cause of death at a later date.
