Woman Killed in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack in Colorado

Fatal Mountain Lion Attack in Colorado

• ⚠️ Officials are investigating a suspected fatal mountain lion attack on a woman on New Year's Day.
• 📍 The incident occurred on a trail near the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
• 🚶 Hikers discovered the woman on the trail and a mountain lion approximately 100 yards away.
• ⛰️ Witnesses scared the mountain lion away by throwing rocks, but the woman was found deceased.

Investigation and Animal Analysis

• 🐾 Wildlife officials are actively tracking the mountain lion involved, as its comfort near humans is concerning.
• 🔬 Two mountain lions were euthanized, and necropsies will be performed to check for diseases like avian flu or rabies.
• 🧬 The necropsies will also examine the animals for human DNA to confirm their involvement in the attack.

Rarity and Safety Precautions

• 📊 Mountain lion attacks are rare in Colorado, with approximately 28 non-fatal attacks recorded since the 1980s.
• 🕰️ The last fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado was in the 1990s.
• ⚠️ In encounters, it is advised to appear large and loud, throw objects, and stand ground while slowly backing away, rather than running.
• 🏃 Running can trigger a predator's chase instinct.