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Colorado Hiker Found Dead in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack as Two Lions Are Euthanized

Necropsies plus human-DNA tests on the cats will guide the probe, with Crosier Mountain trailheads closed during the response.

Overview

  • Hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail near Glen Haven saw a mountain lion by a motionless woman around 12:15 p.m. and drove it off by throwing rocks.
  • A physician among the group found no pulse, and the Larimer County Coroner will release the woman’s identity and official cause of death.
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers located two mountain lions in the area later in the day and euthanized both under agency policy for human attacks.
  • The animals will be examined for disease and tested for human DNA, and authorities say searches will continue if no link is found.
  • If confirmed as a mountain lion attack, this would be Colorado’s first fatal case since 1999 in a state where such incidents are rare.