CPW Ends Search for Third Lion, Reopens Crosier Trail After Fatal Attack
Colorado Parks and Wildlife ended its search for a third mountain lion and reopened Crosier Mountain Trail after concluding the January 1 fatal attack involved a family group of young lions. Necropsy findings confirm human DNA on one euthanized lion, marking Colorado's first fatal mountain lion attack since 1999.
The attack followed months of escalating lion activity in the area. In late October, two off-leash dogs were killed, one on McGraw Ranch Road in Estes Park and another on West Creek Road in Larimer County. On November 12, a trail runner on Crosier successfully hazed an approaching lion by throwing objects. On November 30, hikers near the Crosier summit encountered two lions and successfully hazed them by yelling and throwing rocks. On December 23, a Glen Haven resident shot and killed a 3-year-old adult male lion attacking his dog in his yard.
On January 1, witnesses observed a mountain lion standing over the victim. As they threw rocks and called 911, the male subadult approached and was shot by an officer. CPW tracked and euthanized the lion, which bore a gunshot wound, then located and euthanized the female nearby. A third lion was observed approaching the incident area but never located despite the 72-hour search.
"Our hearts go out to the victim's family," said Mark Leslie, Regional Manager for CPW's Northeast Region. "This is a terrible tragedy. She went out in nature on the first day of a new year, and the fact that she did not return to her family and friends is nothing short of heartbreaking. We encourage the public to have compassion and empathy for her and her loved ones."
CPW officers, federal agency staff, and houndsmen searched 72 hours with no fresh tracks or scents detected. The two euthanized lions consisted of one approximately 12-month-old male subadult and one approximately 12-month-old female subadult in very good body condition. Human DNA was found on all four paws of the male subadult lion, while no human DNA was detected on the female. Both tested negative for rabies.
CPW defended the decision to kill the two lions encountered at the scene. "It is very unlikely that these lions were in such close proximity to the scene by coincidence," Leslie said. "This is not a decision we take lightly. CPW is charged with protecting human safety. Given the gravity of this situation and the rarity of this type of behavior, this was a necessary, if unfortunate action."
Colorado has documented 28 mountain lion attacks on humans since 1990, with only one fatal attack before this one—in 1999. CPW guidance for trail users emphasizes keeping dogs leashed, recreating in groups, making noise on trails, and being prepared to haze or fight back if a lion is encountered.
"Timeliness is critical for tracking and responding to mountain lion conflicts," said Jason Duetsch, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. Mountain lion sightings or conflicts should be reported immediately to CPW's Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300 or the Denver office at 303-291-7227.