by Glen Haven, Colorado — A woman hiking alone in the mountains of northern Colorado was killed Thursday in what wildlife officials believe was a suspected mountain lion attack, marking the first fatal encounter of its kind in the state in more than 25 years. The incident occurred in rugged terrain south of the small mountain community of Glen Haven, an area known for frequent wildlife activity and remote trails.
Officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Attack reported near Crosier Mountain trail
The incident unfolded shortly before noon along a remote section of the Crosier Mountain Trail, located on national forest land roughly 7 miles northeast of Estes Park and near the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, two hikers came across the woman’s body and encountered a mountain lion in the immediate area. The hikers reportedly threw rocks at the animal to scare it away, allowing them to reach the victim and attempt to provide aid.
One of the hikers, officials said, was a physician who examined the woman but did not detect a pulse.
Wildlife officers locate and kill two mountain lions
Later that day, wildlife officers located two mountain lions in the vicinity of the attack site and fatally shot both animals, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Van Hoose said officers are continuing to search the surrounding area for additional mountain lions, adding that decisions about further action will depend on the circumstances and any new information uncovered during the investigation.
“Circumstances will dictate whether any additional lions that are found are killed,” Van Hoose said.
Details on victim remain limited
Authorities have not yet released the woman’s identity, details about her injuries, or an official cause of death. Those determinations are expected to come following further investigation and examination by medical officials.
Officials confirmed that the woman was hiking alone at the time of the encounter — a factor wildlife experts say can increase vulnerability in areas with large predators.
Area known for mountain lion activity
Wildlife officials emphasized that mountain lion sightings are common in the forested and mountainous terrain where the suspected attack occurred, particularly in Larimer County.
“This is a very common time of year to take mountain lion sightings and reports, especially in Larimer County, where this is very good mountain lion habitat,” Van Hoose said. “Trails in this area are in pretty remote land — it’s wooded, it’s rocky, and there are elevation gains and dips.”
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Despite frequent sightings, Van Hoose noted there have been no recent documented attacks on humans in the area prior to Thursday’s incident.
Mountain lion attacks remain rare in Colorado
Fatal mountain lion attacks are extremely rare in Colorado. The state’s last suspected fatal attack occurred in 1999, when a 3-year-old child was killed. Two years earlier, a 10-year-old boy was killed by a mountain lion while hiking with family members inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nationwide, attacks remain uncommon, though recent years have seen a small number of high-profile incidents. Last year in Northern California, two brothers were reportedly stalked and attacked by a mountain lion; one of the brothers was killed despite efforts to fight the animal off.
About mountain lions in Colorado
Mountain lions — also known as cougars, catamounts, or pumas — are powerful predators that can weigh up to 130 pounds and grow more than six feet long from nose to tail. They primarily prey on deer and tend to avoid humans whenever possible.
Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, according to wildlife officials. The species is classified as big game in the state and is legally hunted during regulated seasons.
Experts say encounters typically increase in areas where human development overlaps with prime wildlife habitat, particularly along popular hiking trails and backcountry routes.
Safety reminders for hikers
While attacks are rare, Colorado Parks and Wildlife regularly advises hikers to take precautions in mountain lion territory, including:
- Avoid hiking alone, especially in remote areas
- Stay alert and be aware of surroundings
- Keep children and pets close
- Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk, when lions are most active
- Do not run if you encounter a mountain lion
- Make yourself appear larger and maintain eye contact
Officials say these steps can significantly reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter.
Investigation continues
As officers continue searching the area and reviewing evidence, Colorado Parks and Wildlife stressed that public safety remains the top priority. Trails near the incident site may see increased patrols as the investigation proceeds.
Officials are expected to release more information once findings are confirmed and next-of-kin notifications are completed.
This rare and tragic incident has shaken Colorado’s outdoor community, serving as a reminder of the risks that can exist even on well-known trails in wild terrain.
Have you encountered wildlife while hiking in Colorado or elsewhere? Share your experience and safety tips in the comments, and join the conversation on how hikers can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
