A woman tragically lost her life in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone in northern Colorado. This incident marks the first fatal attack by a mountain lion in the state in over 25 years.
The attack took place in the mountains near Glen Haven, close to Estes Park. Just before noon, two hikers stumbled upon the scene and encountered a mountain lion near the woman’s body. They bravely threw rocks to scare the animal away and one of the hikers, a physician, attempted to assist the victim but found no pulse.
Authorities later located and euthanized two mountain lions in the area for further investigation into the attack. A necropsy will help determine if either lion was involved. Meanwhile, wildlife officials continue to search for a third mountain lion that was reported in the vicinity, keeping local trails closed for safety.
Mountain lion sightings are not unusual in this forested region, but attacks on humans are very rare. According to Kara Van Hoose from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, this time of year often sees increased mountain lion activity as they venture closer to human-populated areas.
Gary Messina, a local runner, shared his own close encounter with a mountain lion on the same trail. He described a frightening experience when a lion lunged at him. He successfully defended himself by using a stick and reported the incident to wildlife officials, who later posted warning signs along the trail.
Historically, fatal mountain lion attacks in Colorado have been extremely rare. The last confirmed fatality was in 1999 when a young child lost their life. Two years prior, another boy was killed while hiking with family in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Experts note that mountain lions, which can weigh over 130 pounds and grow to more than six feet long, primarily hunt deer. Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, classified as big game animals which can be hunted. However, responsible management is crucial to ensure safety and conservation.
In light of these events, it’s important for hikers to take precautions, such as traveling in groups and being aware of their surroundings. Understanding mountain lion behavior can also help minimize risks when venturing into their habitat.
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