A tragic incident unfolded in northern Colorado on New Year’s Day when a mountain lion killed a hiker. The victim, 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch, was hiking alone on the Crosier Mountain trail, located south of Glen Haven.
Human DNA Found on Mountain Lion Paws
Officials confirmed that human DNA was discovered on all four paws of a male mountain lion, aged one year. This was after an investigation by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, which determined that Kovatch’s injuries were consistent with a mountain lion attack. Her death marks the first fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado in over 25 years.
Euthanization of Mountain Lions
- Two mountain lions were euthanized following the attack.
- A one-year-old female mountain lion was found without DNA on its paws.
Incident Details and Background
Kovatch, a Texas native living in Fort Collins, was found on a remote section of the trail. Prior to her death, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) had received five reports of mountain lion sightings and attacks in the area within nine weeks. Following the tragedy, a physician who was hiking nearby attempted to assist Kovatch but did not find a pulse. The coroner later listed the cause of death as asphyxia from external neck compression.
Search for Additional Mountain Lions
Wildlife officers searched for a third mountain lion but the search was called off after more than 72 hours without finding any tracks. Estimates suggested the lions were likely part of a family group.
Community Response
CPW emphasized their responsibility for human safety, stating that the decision to euthanize the lions was necessary due to the circumstances. The Crosier Mountain Trail has since reopened, and signs warning of mountain lion activity have been in place for years.
Recent Mountain Lion Activity Reports
Reports of mountain lion sightings in the Glen Haven area increased prior to Kovatch’s death:
- Oct. 28: A mountain lion killed a dog in Estes Park.
- Oct. 29: A hiker’s dog was taken by a mountain lion in Larimer County.
- Nov. 11: A runner had a mountain lion encounter on the Crosier Mountain trail.
- Nov. 30: Hikers spotted two mountain lions near the trail summit.
- Dec. 23: A mountain lion attacked a dog in its owner’s yard, leading to its euthanization.
Residents are urged to report any mountain lion sightings or conflicts to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Contact can be made through the Denver office at 303-291-7227, the Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300, or the Colorado State Patrol at *CSP (*277).
