Authorities believe that a mountain lion attacked and killed a woman in Colorado. It's the first fatality related to the animal in the state since 1999.
Dating back to 1868, there's been 29 confirmed fatal mountain lion attacks in the state. Now, there will be 30. Despite the incident, fatal attacks are incredibly rare. The Mountain Lion Foundation says that averages out to about 0.18 attacks a year.
But it's likely little comfort ot the woman or her family. Authorities discovered the body of the woman just 100 yards from a mountain lion on Crosier Mountain trail. Bystanders managed to scare away the big cat by throwing rocks at it. But there was little they could do for the woman following the attack.
In accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) policies, authorities tracked down and euthanized two mountain lions in they area. They're also searching for a third as well.
Mountain Lion Death
"CPW pathologists will perform a necropsy on the animals, checking for abnormalities and neurological diseases like rabies and avian influenza," a press release also shared. "Larimer County Coroner will release the identity of the victim and cause of death."
The CPW also wrote, "Along the Front Range and Larimer County, hikers and people enjoying the outdoors should expect to encounter wildlife. Mountain lions are more visible in winter as they follow deer and elk to lower elevations. If lions are spotted, make noise to scare them from the area, hold objects overhead to appear bigger and start backing away from the animal. Pets should be kept on-leash and not interact with wildlife."
The Mounta Lion Foundation also weighed in on how to avoid getting attacked. Runners and cyclists are at the most risk.
"This may be because the prey response is more easily triggered in mountain lions from these movements," the non-profit explained. "Additionally, these activities may reduce a person's ability to respond quickly to a mountain lion and act aggressively, or to notice a nearby mountain lion quickly enough to stop and back away."
