Officials have released partial necropsies of the two mountain lions that were killed following the fatal New Year’s Day attack, providing some additional detail related to the tragic encounter that left 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch dead.

It is believed that a ‘family group’ of mountain lions was involved in the Crosier Mountain Trail attack, with two subadults estimated to be about a year in age tracked and euthanized by wildlife personnel. A third mountain lion was observed in the area of the attack and pursued by hounds, but it escaped.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the necropsies of the two subadults that were killed revealed that both animals were in “very good body condition” with no organ abnormalities, both also testing negative for rabies.

While no human DNA was detected on the subadult female, the subadult male had human DNA on all four paws.

The subadult male lion was shot by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer after approaching the site of the incident, tracked and euthanized with a gunshot wound from the officer found on its throat. The female subadult was found in “close vicinity” of the site, also tracked and killed. As noted, attempts to track down a third lion in the area over the course of 72 hours were unsuccessful.

“It is very unlikely that these lions were in such close proximity to the scene by coincidence,” said Mark Leslie, Regional Manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “This is not a decision we take lightly. CPW is charged with protecting human safety. Given the gravity of this situation and the rarity of this type of behavior, this was a necessary, if unfortunate action.” 

With no fresh tracks or scents detected in the area, the search for the third mountain lion has ended and Crosier Mountain Trail has been reopened to the public with educational signage in the area set to remain. Officials report that permanent signage warning of mountain lion activity in the area that includes advice on how to handle conflicts with mountain lions has been present on the trail for years.

Officials also noted that several mountain lion encounters had taken place in the same general area in weeks leading up to the fatal attack.

On October 28, an off-leash dog was killed by a mountain lion in nearby Estes Park (roughly 7 miles away) during a walk. On October 29, an off-leash dog was snatched by a mountain lion during a hike with its owner on West Creek Road in Larimer County. On November 12, a male trail runner was approached by a mountain lion on Crosier Mountain Trail – the same trail where the fatal attack took place – and was able to successfully haze it away with rocks and a branch; this encounter prompted additional signage on the trail to accompany the permanent signage, though the temporary signs were removed a few weeks later. On November 30, a couple encountered two mountain lions while hiking near the Crosier Mountain summit and were able to haze them away; this prompted the addition of extra signage again, with the signage still in place during the January 1 attack. On December 23, a Glen Haven man shot and killed a mountain lion while it was attacking his dog in his yard – this lion was an adult male, but isn’t believed to be a parent of either of the subadults killed following the recent attack.

“Timeliness is critical for tracking and responding to mountain lion conflicts,” said Jason Duetsch, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “We encourage anyone to immediately report encounters with lions so CPW officers can have the most effective response.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides instruction on how to report a sighting on their website.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said Mark Leslie, Regional Manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “This is a terrible tragedy. This hiker did what many people did on New Year’s Day. She went out in nature on the first day of a new year, and the fact that she did not return to her family and friends is nothing short of heartbreaking. We encourage the public to have compassion and empathy for her and her loved ones.”  

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