At a Glance
- Kristen Marie Kovatch, 46, died from neck compression after a mountain lion attack on New Year’s Day
- Two mountain lions were euthanized; human DNA found on all four paws of the male lion
- Last fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado was in 1999
- Why it matters: Attacks remain rare, but hikers are urged to stay alert and follow safety protocols
A solo hike turned deadly on January 1 when Kristen Marie Kovatch, 46, was fatally attacked on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County, Colorado. Her death, ruled an accident, marks the state’s first fatal mountain lion mauling since 1999.
The Attack
Hikers spotted a mountain lion near Kovatch’s body around 12:15 p.m. and scared it off by throwing rocks. Despite their efforts, she had no pulse when they reached her.
The Larimer County Coroner confirmed she died of asphyxia due to neck compression, injuries “consistent with a mountain lion attack.”
Response & Investigation
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and local agencies launched an immediate search. They located and euthanized two mountain lions; necropsy results showed human DNA on all four paws of the male lion.
A search for a possible third lion has since ended, and the trail has reopened.
Family’s Heartbreak
Jeffrey Kovatch, her brother, shared on Facebook:
> “She died doing something she loved deeply, hiking and taking in the beauty of Colorado and its public lands.”
He described Kristen as:
- A devoted aunt to three children
- A caretaker for their elderly parents
- “My baby sister who I will miss dearly”
> “I keep hoping this is all just a nightmare I’ll wake up from.”
Prior Encounter
Gary Messina, 32, believes he fought off the same lion on November 11 after it attacked him on the same trail. He hit the animal with his phone and struck its head, causing it to flee.
Safety Guidelines
CPW urges anyone encountering a mountain lion to:
- Make loud noise to scare it away
- Appear larger by holding objects overhead
- Back away slowly
- Keep pets leashed and away from wildlife
Key Takeaways
- Kristen Marie Kovatch is Colorado’s first mountain lion fatality in 25 years
- Two lions were euthanized; one had human DNA on all paws
- The Crosier Mountain trail has reopened after intensive search
- 28 mountain lion attacks have been reported since 1990, underscoring their rarity
As the family grieves, officials remind outdoor enthusiasts that vigilance and preparedness remain the best defense against wildlife encounters.
