From The New York Times: Hiker Killed in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack, Colorado’s First in Decades
Hikers found a woman’s body on a trail on Crosier Mountain in Northern Colorado, with a mountain lion nearby, according to a statement on Thursday from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which is investigating the death. The hikers scared off the animal by throwing rocks, before confirming the woman was dead.
Of course even if you're armed, you might be killed by a mountain lion. They are ambush predators. Still, being armed would give you a better chance of survival.
Mountain lions, though elusive and solitary, are widespread in the American West, where they are known to prey on pets and livestock. Still, attacks on humans — especially fatal ones — are incredibly rare.
There is also mention of a fatal attack in California in 2024, so I suppose that was the last recorded fatal, mountain-lion attack.
I am not saying that you should not get out and enjoy nature. I am saying you should be aware of the risks. Life is full of risks. You might slip in the shower. You might meet a drunk driver coming home from the grocery store. You might be attacked by a mountain lion if you run in the mountains. None of these things would be your fault, or are under you control. You could stop bathing. You could never leave your home. That is not living.
Quite simply you do not hike alone and unarmed. Period. It's not just big cats but bears, coyotes and in some places wolves you have to worry about. Not to mention two legged predators.
ReplyDeleteNature of Red of Tooth and Claw. Modern Americans have forgotten that. And then there are the 2-legged critters to watch out for.
DeleteColorado is only slightly less Blue than California these days.
Then there was the Colorado runner who strangled a mountain lion that attacked him. Balance, yo.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to bet on life on being able to strangle a mountain lion, but you do you
DeleteHad a Colorado mountain lion that tried to turn me into cat poop back in the 80's. I objected with a 338! Wonderful experience that I do not want to repeat, lion might win next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat story to tell... somewhere far away from mountain lions
DeleteAnd big. Night on a mtn road, I come around a blind corner to see a massive cat leisurly trotting along the road. He stayed in front of me for about ¼ mile. He left the road bed by ambling off to the left then casually walking to the right. He was longer than the width of the car and that doesn't include the tail. 1977 VW Super Beetle
ReplyDelete