A tragic incident in Colorado has raised suspicions of a fatal mountain lion attack, according to officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. If confirmed, this would mark the first deadly encounter with a mountain lion in the state since 1999.

“Around 12:15 this afternoon, hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County observed a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground from about 100 yards away,” a Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson explained during a news conference on Thursday. 

After the initial attack, hikers managed to drive the mountain lion away by throwing rocks, according to reports.

A female mountain lion named Gaia, aged 3.5 years, is seen at the Las Pumas Rescue and Sanctuary Center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, captured in an image on April 17, 2025. (Photo by Ezequiel Becerra/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the witnesses, identified as a physician, attempted to find a pulse but was unsuccessful. The incident is currently under investigation as a potential deadly mountain lion attack.

In the aftermath, a search operation led to the discovery and subsequent killing of two mountain lions in the area.

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release notes, “CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff deputies, Estes Park police and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the area to launch an extensive search for any mountain lions. A CPW biologist who was conducting aerial deer surveys in the county was able to assist in spotting and personnel transportation. Houndsmen assisted by using dogs to track the scent of lions.” 

Mountain lions in the mountains of Montana. ( Dennis Fast / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“Officers located one lion at the scene, shot the animal and it ran from the area. Officers tracked the mountain lion and it was euthanized. A short time later, a second mountain lion was found nearby and euthanized. It is unknown if one or multiple animals were involved in the suspected attack. According to CPW policies, wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be euthanized to ensure public safety,” the release explains.