Terrifying Mountain Lion Attack Caught on Camera: How the Victim Survived in Seconds

Authorities in Colorado are investigating a rare fatal mountain lion attack that left a solo hiker dead on the popular Crosier Mountain Trail near Glen Haven on New Year’s Day, marking the state’s first deadly encounter with the big cats since 1999. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said hikers spotted a mountain lion standing over an unconscious woman around 12:15 p.m.; they drove the animal off by throwing rocks but were unable to find a pulse when they reached the victim. Responding wildlife officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and a CPW biologist conducting aerial deer surveys mounted an intensive search with hounds and helicopters. Two young lions were tracked and euthanized under CPW’s policy requiring removal of any animal involved in an attack on a human. Necropsies will test for rabies, avian influenza and human DNA to confirm whether either cat was responsible. The Larimer County coroner has not yet released the woman’s name, but officials say she was hiking alone on the 9-mile trail, a favorite winter trek just northeast of Estes Park. “There were signs consistent with a mountain lion attack,” CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose told reporters, adding that the last fatality occurred 25 years ago in Rocky Mountain National Park. Why encounters are rising • Winter prey patterns: Deer and elk move to lower elevations in colder months, and lions follow, increasing overlap with hikers. • Growing population: Colorado supports an estimated 3,800–4,400 adult mountain lions, rebounding from near-extirpation in the 1960s. • Expanding recreation: Front Range trail use has surged, putting more people in prime lion habitat. Mountain lion safety tips for hikers 1. Travel in groups and keep children close. 2. Leash pets; loose dogs can trigger a chase response. 3. Stay alert at dawn and dusk, peak hunting times. 4. If you see a lion, make yourself look larger, shout, and slowly back away—never run. 5. If attacked, fight back with sticks, rocks or any tool at hand; most victims who repel lions do so by resisting. How rare are attacks? CPW records show only 28 non-fatal incidents and two fatalities since 1990. For comparison, Colorado averages far more injuries each year from rattlesnakes and lightning. Still, Van Hoose urged vigilance: “When you recreate in lion country, assume the possibility of an encounter.” Next steps in the investigation • DNA analysis: Wildlife pathologists will compare samples from the scene and the euthanized cats. • Trail reopening: Crosier Mountain remains closed pending results; CPW will determine when it is safe to reopen. • Public outreach: Rangers plan additional signage and community meetings on living with mountain lions. What to do if you encounter a mountain lion Report all sightings to CPW’s 24-hour hotline (303-291-7227). Provide location, behavior and photos if safe to capture. Early reports help officers track animals and warn nearby communities. As winter recreation peaks, officials urge hikers to pack awareness along with snowshoes. While the tragedy underscores that the wilderness is never risk-free, experts stress that sharing the landscape with mountain lions remains overwhelmingly safe when people follow recommended precautions.