The silence of the Colorado wilderness was shattered on November 11th, a tranquility broken by a horrifying discovery on the Crosier Mountain trail. A group of hikers stumbled upon a scene that would send a chilling wave through the region – the body of a woman, and nearby, the watchful gaze of a mountain lion.
Initial reports suggest a tragic encounter, a fatal attack by the powerful predator. The hikers, acting quickly, attempted to scare the lion away, pelting it with rocks until it retreated into the dense forest. One member of the group, a physician, immediately assessed the situation, but found no signs of life.
While authorities are proceeding with caution, early indications point to a mountain lion as the cause of death. The woman is believed to have been hiking alone when the attack occurred, her body discovered roughly 100 yards from where the lion was observed. The scene painted a grim picture, consistent with the brutal force of a wild animal.
A massive response was launched, bringing together Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, sheriff’s deputies, police, and volunteer firefighters. The search focused on locating and securing any potential threats, utilizing tracking dogs to pinpoint the animals’ location.
Two mountain lions were ultimately tracked down and euthanized, a difficult decision made to prioritize public safety. Investigators are now working to determine if one or both animals were involved in the suspected attack, a crucial step in understanding the events that unfolded.
Fatal mountain lion attacks are exceptionally rare in Colorado, with only 28 reported incidents since 1990. The last confirmed fatality occurred over two decades ago, in 1999, making this event a stark and unsettling reminder of the inherent risks of venturing into wild spaces.
The identity of the victim remains withheld pending notification of next of kin and the official findings of the Larimer County Coroner. The investigation continues, seeking to piece together the final moments of a life lost in the unforgiving beauty of the Colorado mountains.
This incident serves as a somber testament to the power and unpredictability of nature, and a stark reminder of the respect and caution required when sharing space with these magnificent, yet dangerous, creatures.
