Officials are investigating an extremely rare fatal mountain lion attack.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Thursday that that a woman was found lying on the ground on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, Colorado around 12:15 p.m.
Hikers reported seeing a mountain lion (cougar) approximately 100 yards away before they scared it off by throwing rocks at it, officials said.
Officers located one lion at the scene and shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized, officials said.
It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are rare, with 28 previous attacks reported to CPW since 1990. The last fatal attack was in 1999.
“Along the Front Range and Larimer County, hikers and people enjoying the outdoors should expect to encounter wildlife,” a CPW statement said.
“Mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them from the area, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and start backing away from the animal. Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife. “
CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals, checking for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza.
The Larimer County Coroner will release the identity and cause of death of the victim.
