Colorado mountain lion attack prompts euthanization of two lions after first fatality in 25 years

A solo hiker was killed by a mountain lion on Crosier Mountain in Larimer County; authorities euthanized two lions while investigators search for a third.

Overview

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1.

The victim, a woman hiking alone on Crosier Mountain in Larimer County, was found with no pulse by hikers including a physician, prompting emergency response.

2.

Two mountain lions near the scene were euthanized; authorities shot a lion that fled, and investigators say a third mountain lion might still be at large.

3.

A necropsy will determine if the cats attacked the woman and assess possible diseases such as rabies or avian influenza.

4.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes sightings are common in the area, but human attacks remain rare; since 1990, 28 mountain lion attacks on people have been reported.

5.

The case follows Colorado's history of rare fatal encounters, with the last suspected fatal attack in 1999; authorities continue to search and keep trails closed.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing the rarity and seriousness of mountain lion attacks, using factual language and expert quotes. They highlight the procedural response by wildlife officials and the historical context of such incidents. The narrative is structured to inform rather than sensationalize, focusing on the investigation and safety measures.

Sources (14)

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FAQ

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A solo female hiker was found without a pulse by other hikers who saw a mountain lion nearby; they scared it away with rocks before attending to her.

CPW officers, sheriff deputies, and others searched the area, euthanized two mountain lions found nearby, and are searching for a possible third while trails remain closed.

CPW policy requires euthanizing wildlife involved in human attacks to ensure public safety; necropsies will check for diseases like rabies or avian influenza.[1]

Attacks are rare with 28 reported since 1990; this is the first suspected fatal attack in over 25 years, last in 1999 on a child.

Necropsy results are pending to confirm involvement and health issues; search for additional lions continues, trails closed, victim identity and cause of death to be released by coroner.

History

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