Colorado Trail Sees Fatal Mountain Lion Attack Weeks After Near-Encounter
GLEN HAVEN, Colo. — A fatal mountain lion attack on a northern Colorado trail has shocked local communities, occurring just weeks after a runner fought off a similar encounter on the same path. Gary Messina, an experienced runner, described a harrowing moment in November when a mountain lion rushed him during an early morning jog on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County.
“I had to fight it off because it was basically trying to maul me,” Messina told The Associated Press. He recounted how the animal circled behind him, lunging repeatedly as he backed up. Unable to escape, Messina broke a stick off a log and struck the mountain lion over the head, buying enough time to flee the scene. He reported the incident days later, prompting wildlife officials to post warning signs along the trail, which were later removed.
Tragically, on New Year’s Day, hikers discovered a woman lying on the same trail, with wounds consistent with a mountain lion attack, according to Kara Van Hoose, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Around 12:15 this afternoon, hikers on the Crosier Mountain trail observed a mountain lion near a person lying on the ground from about 100 yards away,” Van Hoose said during a news conference. Following the attack, authorities euthanized two mountain lions and are actively searching for a third to determine if disease played a role.
This incident marks the first suspected fatal mountain lion mauling in Colorado in over 25 years, with the last recorded fatality in 1999. The attack is also the fourth fatal mountain lion incident in North America in the past decade and the 30th since 1868, according to data from the Mountain Lion Foundation. The foundation’s chief conservation officer, Byron Weckworth, emphasized that increased human-wildlife interactions are a consequence of expanding human development into wildlife habitats rather than a rise in aggression among mountain lions.
Mountain lion sightings are common in the area surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park, but attacks remain rare. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department continues to monitor the situation closely, urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant. Their official website provides guidelines on how to respond to mountain lion encounters, including making yourself appear larger and avoiding running away.
The U.S. Forest Service, which manages the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests where the Crosier Mountain trail is located, also stresses the importance of preparedness and awareness in wildlife habitats. Visitors can access safety information and trail updates through the Forest Service’s official site.
As authorities investigate whether the mountain lion involved in Messina’s encounter is the same animal responsible for the fatal attack, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human recreation and wildlife conservation. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife encourages reporting any mountain lion sightings or encounters to assist in managing public safety.
For more information on mountain lion safety and recent wildlife incidents, the National Park Service offers resources on coexistence strategies and animal behavior in national parks and surrounding areas.
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