According to a news release by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the agency is investigating a suspected fatal mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County.

Around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground from approximately 100 yards away. As they approached, the witnesses scared the lion from the area by throwing rocks. The hikers then attended to the adult woman victim but did not find a pulse. 

CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the area to launch an extensive search for any mountain lions. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county was able to assist in spotting and personnel transportation. Houndsmen assisted by using dogs to track the scent of lions. 

Officers located one lion at the scene, shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized. It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety.  

CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals, checking for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza. Larimer County Coroner will release the identity of the victim and cause of death. 

Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are considered rare, with 28 previous attacks reported to CPW since 1990. The last fatal attack was in 1999.  

Along the Front Range and Larimer County, hikers and people recreating in the outdoors should expect to encounter wildlife. According to CPW, mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them from the area, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and start backing away from the animal. Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife.