She Went Hiking Alone. What Happened Next Shocks Colorado
BREAKING: First Fatal Mountain Lion Attack in Colorado Since 1999 – What Every Hiker Must Know Now
A peaceful Thursday morning hike on Colorado’s Crosier Mountain Trail turned into a nightmare scenario that’s sending shockwaves through the hiking community. A woman is dead after what authorities are calling a suspected mountain lion attack in Larimer County, Colorado—the state’s first fatal encounter in 27 years.
The Terrifying Discovery That Changed Everything
Around 12:15 p.m., fellow hikers on the trail near Glen Haven, Colorado spotted something that made their blood run cold: a mountain lion hovering near a motionless person lying on the ground, just 100 yards away. These brave hikers threw rocks to scare off the predator before rushing to help. Tragically, a physician among them confirmed there was no pulse.
Why This Mountain Lion Attack Feels Different
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has documented only 28 mountain lion attacks since 1990. The last fatal mountain lion attack was back in 1999—a full generation ago. This incident shatters that nearly three-decade safety record in Larimer County, an area known for its scenic trails but also its dense wildlife population.
The Urgent Hunt for Multiple Predators
The response was swift and massive. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters launched an extensive search. Using tracking dogs and aerial surveys, they located and euthanized two mountain lions near the scene on Crosier Mountain Trail.
But here’s what’s keeping authorities awake: a third mountain lion was spotted in the area, and the search continues. Necropsies will determine if human DNA is present and whether diseases like rabies played a role.
What You MUST Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion in Colorado
Mountain lion encounters are becoming more common as these predators follow deer and elk to lower elevations during winter months, especially in areas like Larimer County, Colorado. Here’s what could save your life:
Immediate Actions:
- Make yourself LOUD – Shout, yell, make aggressive noise
- Appear LARGER – Hold your jacket or backpack overhead
- NEVER run – Back away slowly while facing the animal
- Fight back if attacked – Mountain lions can be deterred with aggressive resistance
- Hike in groups – Solo hiking significantly increases risk
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The Glen Haven Colorado Warning All Hikers Need
The Crosier Mountain Trail area is described as remote, heavily wooded, and teeming with wildlife including bears, moose, and mountain lions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose emphasized that this region sees regular mountain lion sightings and conflicts.
“This is an area where mountain lions are really common,” Van Hoose stated. Translation: if you’re hiking anywhere along the Front Range or in Larimer County, you’re in mountain lion territory.
Why This Story Should Change Your Next Hike
This tragedy isn’t just another wildlife incident—it’s a stark reminder that nature demands respect and preparation. The victim was believed to be hiking alone, a factor that dramatically increases vulnerability during a mountain lion attack.
Your Takeaway: Before your next Colorado trail adventure, especially near Glen Haven, Colorado or anywhere in Larimer County:
- Never hike solo in known mountain lion habitats
- Carry bear spray (effective against mountain lions too)
- Make noise consistently—silence makes you prey
- Stay alert during dawn, dusk, and winter months
- Know the signs: fresh tracks, scratch marks on trees, partially buried prey
This is Colorado’s wake-up call. The wilderness is breathtaking, but it’s wild for a reason. The question isn’t if you’ll encounter wildlife—it’s whether you’ll be prepared when you do.
Share this with anyone planning a Colorado hiking trip. It could save a life.
