In a rare and tragic incident, a woman in Colorado is believed to have died following an attack by a mountain lion, as reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). This marks the first fatal mountain lion attack in the state since 1999.

During a Thursday news conference, a CPW spokesperson recounted the events, stating, “At approximately 12:15 p.m., hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County spotted a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground from a distance of about 100 yards.”

The spokesperson detailed how the hikers managed to scare the animal away by throwing rocks in its direction.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, brought back memories of Gaia, a 3.5-year-old female mountain lion, photographed at the Las Pumas Rescue and Sanctuary Center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, back in April 2025. The image was captured by Ezequiel Becerra for AFP via Getty Images.

One of the hikers, who happened to be a physician, checked the victim and confirmed she had no pulse. The spokesperson indicated that the case is under investigation as a suspected fatal mountain lion attack.

Following the tragic discovery, authorities launched a search operation that resulted in the location and euthanization of two mountain lions.

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release notes, “CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the area to launch an extensive search for any mountain lions. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county was able to assist in spotting and personnel transportation. Houndsmen assisted by using dogs to track the scent of lions.” 

Mountain lions in the mountains of Montana. ( Dennis Fast / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“Officers located one lion at the scene, shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized. It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety,” the release explains.