Woman Dies in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack Near Glen Haven

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a suspected fatal mountain lion attack after hikers found an adult woman unresponsive on the Crosier Mountain trail near Glen Haven on January 1. Officers tracked and killed two lions.

If confirmed, it would be Colorado's first fatal attack since 1999.

Around 12:15 p.m., hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail reported seeing a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground approximately 100 yards away. The witnesses scared the lion from the area by throwing rocks and found the woman without a pulse.

CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff's deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters searched the area, aided by a CPW biologist conducting aerial deer surveys and houndsmen with tracking dogs.

Officers shot one mountain lion at the scene and euthanized a second lion nearby during tracking. CPW says it's unknown whether one or both lions attacked the victim.

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

According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety and allow investigation. CPW pathologists will perform necropsies on both lions to test for rabies and other diseases. The Larimer County Coroner will release the victim's identity and official cause of death.

CPW is reminding hikers of winter safety precautions. Mountain lions move to lower elevations in winter to follow deer and elk, making them more visible along Front Range trails. The agency advises hikers to make noise, appear larger by holding objects overhead, and back away slowly if they encounter a lion.

"Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife," CPW emphasized.