At a Glance
- A woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack near Glen Haven, Colorado.
- First fatal attack in the state in over 25 years.
- Wildlife officers later shot two lions in the area.
- Why it matters: Mountain lions are common in the region, but fatal attacks are rare, raising safety concerns for hikers.
A lone hiker was found dead on the Crosier Mountain trail near Glen Haven. The incident occurred shortly before noon, and hikers who found the body threw rocks to scare the lion.
A physician among the hikers attended to the victim but did not find a pulse. Details on injuries and cause of death are still pending.
- The attack happened near the small community of Glen Haven, about 7 miles northeast of Estes Park.
- The incident was the first fatal attack in Colorado in more than 25 years.
- Two mountain lions were later located and fatally shot by wildlife officers.
Wildlife officers located two mountain lions in the area and fatally shot them later that day. Search for other lions continues; any additional lions found may be killed depending on circumstances.
- Officers will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to shoot additional lions.
- The hunt is ongoing.
- The incident prompted a statewide alert for hikers.
The last suspected fatal attack in Colorado was in 1999, when a 3-year-old was killed. In 1997, a 10-year-old boy was killed in Rocky Mountain National Park.
| Year | Victim Age | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
| 1997 | 10 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
The incident, occurring 7 miles northeast of Estes Park, highlights the rarity of fatal attacks in Colorado. Authorities are still investigating the cause.
Key Takeaways
- First fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado in 25+ years.
- Wildlife officers shot two lions in the area.
- The incident sparked a statewide alert for hikers.
The incident underscores the need for hikers to stay alert on the trails.
