Woman Found Dead in Colorado in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack
A woman was found dead on the Crosier Mountain trail in unincorporated Larimer County, Colorado, in a suspected mountain lion attack. The incident occurred around 12:15 pm local time on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Hikers near the scene reported seeing a mountain lion close to the body and scared it away by throwing rocks.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and local agencies responded to the scene, including Larimer County sheriff's deputies, Estes Park Police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer Firefighters. One mountain lion located at the scene fled and was shot; it was later euthanized by authorities. A second lion found nearby was also euthanized. It remains unknown whether one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack.
Under CPW policy, all wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety. Pathologists will conduct necropsies on the animals to test for abnormalities and diseases such as rabies and avian influenza.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Colorado are rare, with only 28 incidents recorded since 1990 and the last fatal attack occurring in 1999. The state is home to approximately 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions.
