UPDATE: A tragic incident on New Year’s Day has left a woman dead after a suspected mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail in Colorado. This shocking development comes just weeks after another hiker, Gary Messina, fought off an aggressive mountain lion in the same area, raising urgent concerns about wildlife safety.
Officials confirmed that the woman’s body was discovered on January 1, 2024, with “wounds consistent with a mountain lion attack,” according to Kara Van Hoose from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. An autopsy is scheduled for next week, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Just days before the fatal incident, on November 11, Messina encountered a mountain lion on the very same trail. During his harrowing experience, he managed to fend off the animal by throwing his phone, kicking dirt, and ultimately striking it with a stick. “I was scared for my life,” Messina recounted, emphasizing the danger he faced.
Following the attack, wildlife officials tracked and killed two mountain lions in the area, one at the scene of the woman’s death and another nearby. A necropsy will help determine if either of these animals was involved in the attack. The search for a third mountain lion reported in the vicinity is ongoing, with nearby trails remaining closed as a precaution.
Authorities are on high alert as they investigate the potential link between Messina’s aggressive encounter and the fatal attack. “Based on the aggressiveness of the animal that attacked me, I suspect it could be the same one that killed the woman,” Messina stated.
Mountain lion sightings are common in this region east of Rocky Mountain National Park, which provides a suitable habitat for these predators. Despite the frequency of sightings, attacks on humans are rare, with the last suspected fatal attack recorded in 1999. The recent incidents, however, have sparked fear and concern among local hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the victim’s body on the trail from about 100 meters away, with a mountain lion nearby. One hiker, a physician, attempted to assist but sadly found no pulse. The identity of the victim will be revealed following the coroner’s autopsy.
Mountain lions, which can weigh up to 60 kg and measure over 1.8 meters long, primarily prey on deer. Colorado is estimated to have between 3,800 and 4,400 mountain lions, classified as a big game species, and are legally hunted.
This incident marks the fourth fatal mountain lion attack in North America in the last decade and the thirtieth since 1868. Most attacks typically occur during daylight hours, indicating that these animals do not actively seek out humans.
Experts urge caution: “As more people live and recreate in areas overlapping with wildlife habitats, interactions can increase,” said Byron Weckworth from the Mountain Lion Foundation. To minimize risks, hikers are advised to travel in groups, keep children close, and avoid early morning and dusk outings.
In the wake of these tragic events, wildlife officials continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing safety protocols during encounters with mountain lions. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains vigilant and concerned about the safety of local trails.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work to ensure the safety of the public.
