Daijiworld Media Network - Denver

Denver, Jan 6: Colorado wildlife authorities have ended their search for mountain lions along a hiking trail where a 46-year-old woman was killed in a rare mountain lion attack on New Year’s Day, the first fatal incident of its kind in the state since 1999.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said two mountain lions found near the Crosier Mountain Trail in Larimer County on January 1 were euthanised in accordance with agency policy. The search for a third mountain lion in the area was called off on January 5 after officers, federal staff and trained hounds searched for over 72 hours without detecting fresh tracks or scents.

The trail, located about 70 miles northwest of Denver near Glen Haven, has since been reopened to the public, with authorities urging visitors to report any mountain lion sightings.

The victim was later identified as Kristen Marie Kovatch of Fort Collins. According to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, she died of asphyxia caused by neck compression, with injuries consistent with a mountain lion attack. Her death was ruled accidental.

Two hikers discovered Kovatch’s body around noon on January 1 and reported seeing a mountain lion lying over her. The animal fled after the hikers threw rocks, and a physician among them attempted to assist but found no pulse.

A necropsy revealed that one of the euthanised mountain lions, an approximately one-year-old male, had human DNA on all four paws, while the female had none. Officials said the lions were part of the same family group. Both tested negative for rabies.

“This is a terrible tragedy,” said Mark Leslie, regional manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “We encourage the public to have compassion and empathy for the victim and her loved ones.”

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in Colorado. Prior to this incident, the state had recorded 28 attacks, including three fatalities, with the last fatal case reported in 1999.