A woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado, marking the state’s first fatal encounter since 1999. The incident occurred on Thursday around 12:15 p.m., when hikers discovered the woman’s body with a mountain lion nearby.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the hikers scared the animal away by shouting and throwing stones and attempted to provide first aid. One of the hikers, a physician, was unable to detect a pulse.
Authorities are investigating the death as a suspected mountain lion attack. A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Van Hoose, stated that while the incident was “consistent with a mountain lion attack,” the cause of death is still under official investigation. To ensure public safety, wildlife officials conducted an extensive search and euthanized two mountain lions, including the one that fled the scene.
Necropsies will be performed on the euthanized animals, and tests for human DNA are planned to determine whether either animal was responsible for the attack. If human DNA is not found, the investigation and search for the responsible mountain lion will continue.
This tragic incident underscores the rare but serious risks posed by mountain lion encounters in the wild. Colorado has not recorded a fatal attack by a mountain lion in more than two decades, highlighting the unusual nature of the event.
Wildlife experts emphasize that such attacks remain extremely uncommon, and the majority of human interactions with mountain lions do not result in injury or death.
Officials are urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution when exploring wildlife habitats, including remaining alert, keeping distance from large predators, and carrying deterrents if available.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife continue to monitor the area and provide updates to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The investigation will continue until authorities can confirm the exact circumstances surrounding this rare and fatal mountain lion encounter.
