By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking alone in northern Colorado, marking the first fatal attack in the state in over 25 years. Following the incident near Glen Haven, wildlife officers located and killed two mountain lions in the area. The attack occurred on a remote section of the Crosier Mountain trail, where mountain lion sightings are common. Authorities are still investigating the incident, but mountain lion attacks on humans are rare.
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Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack while hiking in northern Colorado. The news coming out of northern Colorado is truly unsettling. It’s a somber start to the new year, with the tragic news of a woman killed in a suspected mountain lion attack while hiking. It’s a reminder of the raw, untamed nature that still exists in our beautiful state, and the inherent risks that come with venturing into its wild spaces. The last time something like this happened in Colorado was back in 1999. It’s been over two decades since such a devastating event, which really puts into perspective how rare these attacks are.
Focusing on the act of hiking in the mountains, there are some important considerations for safety, starting with what you’re actually doing while hiking. Running, for example, can be a serious mistake. A mountain lion, which might be casually observing from a rock, will view a runner as prey, and the instinct to hunt will take over, leading to a potential attack. Similarly, mountain biking requires a keen awareness. If you stop on a trail, be aware that you might be at risk. In these situations, try to look as imposing as possible and never bend over, as that can make you appear vulnerable.
As a resident in Colorado, it’s wise to be prepared and stay informed. Checking trail websites for recent wildlife sightings and being aware of the environment is crucial. It’s also important to be aware that the mountains aren’t just beautiful landscapes; they can also be dangerous, with various factors like terrain, weather, and injuries playing a role in the hazards faced. Help can take hours or even days to arrive if something goes wrong, and that’s only if you can get a signal.
Unfortunately, it’s not just mountain lions we need to be concerned about in Colorado. We’ve got wolves now, and it’s worth remembering that moose are surprisingly dangerous animals. One person shared an experience of hearing something screaming in the woods, only to discover a dead fox that had been ripped apart, probably by a mountain lion. That encounter alone is enough to illustrate that the mountains are not “Disney Tourist Nature.” They are wild, and a degree of caution and preparation is necessary.
There’s a well-known video from Utah of a hiker who survived a mountain lion encounter, and his reaction in the video is a testament to the fear and urgency that comes with facing a big cat. He famously asks, between panicked breaths, “Where’s my gun?!” That highlights another aspect of preparedness: carrying the right equipment and knowing how to use it. Many people suggest the use of bear spray and even firearms, though the debate about the effectiveness and ethics of each is ongoing. The general consensus, though, is that if you’re in an area where mountain lions are known to be, being armed is a good idea.
Now, the complexities really come into play. When a mountain lion attacks, what happens next? The question of whether the animal should be killed is a difficult one. There are different schools of thought: is it a revenge response, or a necessary measure to prevent further attacks? It’s a complicated matter, especially considering that the lion was in its natural habitat when the attack occurred. Some suggest that the animal must be put down to prevent future attacks. The argument is that this particular mountain lion has learned that humans are vulnerable prey, and that the risk of future attacks is increased.
It is important to remember that most mountain lions don’t attack humans unless they are in dire circumstances. If the animal has attacked a human, it can be considered a high risk, and taking preventative measures like putting it down can be the right thing to do.
Considering the specifics of mountain lion behavior is also important. They are ambush predators, and they often target the vitals in an attack. If you are ever faced with an encounter, you need to be prepared to defend yourself, even with the bare hands.
Another thing to remember, wilderness is not designed to be harmless; it is wild. The inherent dangers of the natural world are very real, and the unfortunate incident in northern Colorado is a stark reminder. This is why awareness, preparation, and a healthy respect for the wild are so critical when enjoying the outdoors.