A tragic incident in the Colorado wilderness has claimed the life of a 46-year-old woman, identified as a dedicated former medical assistant. Kristin Marie Kovatch was fatally attacked by a mountain lion while hiking on the Crosier Mountain Trail near Glen Haven on Thursday afternoon.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
According to the Larimer County Coroner's Office, Kovatch, a resident of Fort Collins, was hiking on New Year's Day. Her autopsy confirmed the cause of death was asphyxia due to compression of her neck by the wild animal.
The grim discovery was made around noon by two other hikers, who found a mountain lion standing over her body. One of the hikers, a physician, checked for a pulse but found none. The pair threw rocks to scare the animal away before alerting authorities.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials later located and euthanised two mountain lions—a male and a female—near the scene. A subsequent necropsy provided crucial evidence. Human DNA was found on all four paws of the male subadult lion, confirming its involvement, spokesperson Kara Can Hoose stated. The female tested negative for human DNA, and both animals were free of rabies.
A Life of Compassion and Adventure
Kristin Kovatch is remembered by her heartbroken family as a vibrant and caring individual. Her brother, Jeffrey Kovatch, shared on Facebook that she died doing something she loved deeply: "hiking and taking in the beauty of Colorado and its public lands."
He described his sister as an amazing aunt, a tender caretaker for their elderly parents, and someone deeply loved by family, friends, and colleagues. Kovatch had worked as a dedicated medical assistant at the UCHealth Heart and Vascular Clinic in Fort Collins from 2011 until 2021.
An avid ultramarathon runner with a great love for animals, her passing has left a profound void. UCHealth expressed sadness at the tragic news, extending heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.
Rarity of the Attack and Safety Measures
This tragic event marks a sombre milestone. Kovatch's death is the first fatal mountain lion attack on a human in Colorado in a century. In the last 36 years, the state has recorded only 28 reported attacks.
Following the incident, all three Crosier trails were temporarily closed. They have since reopened, with CPW officials confirming that signage and educational messages about mountain lion safety will remain posted. An initial search for a potential third lion has concluded.
Mountain lions, native to Colorado, can weigh up to 130lbs and grow six feet long. They primarily prey on deer but will eat smaller animals. Officials note they may be more visible in winter months.
CPW advises hikers to take precautions which can deter an encounter:
- Make noise while on the trail to avoid surprising wildlife.
- If you see a mountain lion, do not run. Appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket.
- Maintain eye contact and back away slowly.
