Colorado wildlife officials have concluded their search for a mountain lion in the vicinity of a hiking trail where Kristen Marie Kovatch, a 46-year-old woman from Fort Collins, tragically lost her life on New Year’s Day. This incident marks the first fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado since 1999.
On January 1, when Kovatch was hiking the Crosier Mountain Trail, two hikers discovered her body. They reportedly saw a mountain lion nearby, which appeared to be protective of her. Despite their attempts to scare the animal away, it was too late for Kovatch, who could not be revived by a physician among the hikers. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office later determined that she died from asphyxia due to neck compression, confirming her death as a result of a mountain lion attack.
In response to the attack, Colorado Parks and Wildlife initiated an intensive search for the mountain lion involved, which included tracking and subsequently euthanizing two mountain lions found in the area—one male and one female. A necropsy performed on these animals revealed human DNA on the paws of the male lion, suggesting its involvement in the attack. Meanwhile, a third lion was also spotted but could not be captured.
Mark Leslie, a regional manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, expressed condolences to Kovatch’s family, emphasizing the sorrow surrounding such a tragic incident, especially as many individuals had ventured into nature on New Year’s Day.
Authorities reassured the public that they had thoroughly searched the area. With no fresh tracks or scents detected, the trail was reopened, and visitors were encouraged to report any mountain lion sightings.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are notably rare. The most recent fatal attack in Colorado, before this incident, occurred in October 1999, highlighting the unusual nature of such events. Data indicates there have been approximately 30 fatal attacks in North America since 1868, with around four to six occurring annually across the United States and Canada.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with wildlife encounters and the complex balance between nature and public safety. While tragic, it underscores the importance of awareness and preparedness when enjoying outdoor spaces.