Woman dies in suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado

Key Concepts

• Mountain Lion Attack: A fatal attack by a mountain lion in northern Colorado, the first confirmed deadly attack in the state in over 25 years.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW): The agency investigating the attack and managing mountain lion populations.
• Mountain Lion Behavior: Instinctual responses of mountain lions, particularly regarding pursuit of fleeing prey.
• Preventative Measures: Recommendations for hikers to minimize risk of encounters and how to react if an encounter occurs.
• Mountain Lion Population: Estimated population of mountain lions in Colorado.

Fatal Mountain Lion Attack in Northern Colorado

This report details a fatal mountain lion attack that occurred in northern Colorado, marking the state’s first confirmed deadly incident in more than 25 years. The victim, a woman, was found by two hikers who subsequently scared away a mountain lion near her body. She was found to have no pulse.

Investigation and Response

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW) has responded by euthanizing two mountain lions found in the vicinity of the attack. Currently, officials are conducting forensic analysis to determine if human DNA is present on these animals. According to the report, “now they’re looking, is there human DNA on those mountain lions that they they killed? And if they can find human DNA on those mountain lions, then it will indicate that those were the ones that were responsible for this attack.” If no DNA evidence links these animals to the attack, the search for other mountain lions in the area will continue.

Mountain Lion Population and Attack Frequency

Colorado is home to an estimated 4,100 mountain lions. While the animals are not uncommon, attacks on humans are exceedingly rare across the United States. The reporter emphasized, “mountain lion attacks are very rare in the the US.” Despite the rarity, officials acknowledge the inherent risk in areas where mountain lions are present.

Trail Closures and Safety Recommendations

While CPW has temporarily closed some trails in the affected area, they are not advising a complete cessation of hiking. Instead, they are urging hikers to take preventative measures to avoid surprising mountain lions. These recommendations include:

• Making Noise: Hikers should actively make themselves known in the area to avoid startling a mountain lion.
• Asserting Dominance: In the event of an encounter, individuals are advised to throw objects at the mountain lion to demonstrate they are a threat.
• Slow Retreat: Hikers should slowly back away from the animal, avoiding any sudden movements.
• Avoiding Flight: Running away from a mountain lion is strongly discouraged, as it triggers the animal’s predatory instinct to chase. As stated in the report, “If you run away, it's instinct is going to be to to chase after.”

Terminology and Geographic Considerations

The report clarifies that mountain lions are known by various names, including cougars and pumas, depending on the region. The presence of these animals is a known factor in rural areas of Colorado, California, and other parts of the US. The report stresses that awareness of this potential threat is crucial for individuals recreating in these environments.

Conclusion

The fatal mountain lion attack in northern Colorado is a tragic and rare event. The CPW is actively investigating the incident and implementing safety measures to mitigate future risks. The key takeaway is the importance of awareness, preventative measures, and appropriate response strategies when recreating in areas inhabited by mountain lions.