In a tragic incident in Larimer County, Colorado, two mountain lions were euthanized following what is believed to be a fatal attack on a hiker. The attack occurred around noon on Thursday along the Crosier Mountain trail, a site popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers discovered a woman’s body near the mountain lion, prompting immediate concern and a swift response.
Witnesses reported the chilling sight of a mountain lion next to the victim, who appeared unresponsive. The hikers took action by chasing the mountain lion away, throwing rocks to protect themselves and the scene. Unfortunately, it was determined that the woman had no pulse when officials arrived, raising serious alarms about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife acted decisively after the attack. One mountain lion was shot at the site but managed to flee. Later, it was tracked down and euthanized, along with a second mountain lion found in the vicinity. This robust response reflects the agency’s protocol for such attacks and emphasizes public safety. They aim to prevent further incidents by removing animals that pose a threat.
Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the agency, mentioned, “There are signs that this was consistent with a mountain lion attack but we can’t say for sure.” This cautious statement highlights the ongoing investigation into the incident. Officials are conducting a necropsy on the mountain lions to check for any underlying diseases, and they will also test for human DNA to ascertain whether the animals were involved in the attack.
The area where the attack occurred is described as remote and heavily wooded. Van Hoose noted, “This is an area where mountain lions are really common, along with a lot of other wildlife like bears and moose.” Such environments can lead to increased encounters between wildlife and humans, especially in regions where mountain lions are prevalent. The agency anticipates these types of encounters, noting that mountain lions are more visible in winter as they track deer and elk to lower elevations.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency did not take the situation lightly. They reiterated advice for hikers in the area: expect wildlife encounters and act cautiously. The agency encouraged individuals to make noise if they spot mountain lions, hold objects overhead to seem larger, and back away slowly. They also advised keeping pets on-leash to avoid attracting unwanted attention from wild animals.
Historically, mountain lion attacks are rare, though a troubling 28 have been reported since 1990, with the last fatality occurring in 1999. Nonetheless, the agency acknowledges the reality of such risks for those who venture into their habitat. The circumstances surrounding this tragic event will continue to be explored as the authorities strive to determine the details and causes that led to the attack.
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