The silence of the Colorado wilderness shattered on New Year’s Day. A lone hiker, venturing onto the remote Crosier Mountain trail, became the victim of a predator’s attack, a tragedy authorities believe was carried out by a mountain lion. This wasn’t an isolated incident; a chilling prelude had unfolded just weeks before, hinting at a growing danger lurking in the shadows.
Gary Messina, a local runner, experienced a terrifying encounter on a dark November morning. His headlamp pierced the brush, revealing the menacing gleam of two eyes. Before he could react, a mountain lion charged. Instinct took over – he hurled his phone, kicked up dirt, and roared, desperately trying to ward off the relentless animal.
The lion circled, relentlessly attempting to flank Messina. He frantically snapped off a thick branch, wielding it like a weapon, and struck the animal. Only then did the lion finally break off the attack and disappear into the dense forest. The harrowing encounter left Messina shaken, convinced he’d narrowly escaped a mauling.
The body discovered on Thursday bore the grim evidence of a mountain lion attack, according to Kara Van Hoose of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. An autopsy is underway to confirm the cause of death and determine if disease played a role. The discovery triggered an immediate and urgent response from wildlife officials.
Two mountain lions were quickly located and euthanized – one near the victim, the other close by. Necropsies will be performed, meticulously examining the animals for signs of rabies, avian flu, or other conditions that might have contributed to aggressive behavior. A third mountain lion, reported in the area, remains the focus of an ongoing search.
Messina fears the lion he fought off in November is the same one responsible for the hiker’s death. He vividly recalls the animal’s aggressive persistence, its unwavering focus on attack. He reported the incident to wildlife officials, leading to the temporary posting of warning signs along the trail.
The Crosier Mountain area, nestled east of Rocky Mountain National Park, provides ideal habitat for mountain lions. Remote, forested, and rugged, it’s a haven for these powerful predators, offering abundant prey and secluded cover. Sightings are common, but attacks on humans are exceptionally rare.
Colorado hasn’t seen a suspected fatal mountain lion attack since 1999, when a three-year-old boy vanished in the wilderness, his fate tragically confirmed years later by the discovery of his clothing. Prior to that, a 10-year-old boy was killed within Rocky Mountain National Park in 1997, a devastating reminder of the potential danger.
The grim discovery on Thursday was made by two hikers who spotted the victim’s body from a distance. A mountain lion was nearby, and they bravely threw rocks to drive it away. A physician among them attempted to revive the victim, but it was too late.
Mountain lions, magnificent creatures weighing up to 130 pounds and stretching over six feet in length, primarily prey on deer. Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 of these animals, managed as a big game species and subject to regulated hunting.
This tragedy marks the fourth fatal mountain lion attack in North America in the last decade, and the thirtieth since 1868. While not all attacks are definitively confirmed, the increasing overlap between human activity and wildlife habitat is a growing concern.
Experts emphasize that mountain lions aren’t actively seeking out humans. Most attacks occur during daylight hours, within the animal’s established territory, suggesting encounters are often opportunistic. However, the risk is real, and awareness is crucial.
If you encounter a mountain lion, experts advise maintaining eye contact, making yourself appear as large as possible, and slowly backing away. Running can trigger a chase response. Traveling in groups, keeping children close, and avoiding dawn and dusk – peak activity times – can significantly reduce the risk.
The recent attack in Northern California, where two brothers were stalked and attacked, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence. One brother tragically lost his life, underscoring the importance of preparedness and respect for these powerful predators.
