Woman killed by mountain lion in Larimer County identified

Mountain Lion Attack in Larimer County Identified Victim

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — The person attacked and killed by a mountain lion in Larimer County on New Year’s Day has been identified as Kristen Marie Kovatch, a 46-year-old from Fort Collins.

Autopsy Results and Incident Details

The Larimer County Coroner’s Office performed an autopsy on Jan. 5. They determined that Kovatch’s injuries were consistent with a mountain lion attack. The cause of death was ruled as asphyxia due to external neck compression, and the manner of death was classified as an accident.

On Jan. 1, around 12:15 p.m., a group of hikers on the Crosier Mountain Trail found a mountain lion near a person on the ground. They scared the lion away with rocks and attempted to help Kovatch. A physician in the group could not find a pulse, according to CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose.

Response and Search Efforts

CPW officers, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Estes Park police, and Glen Haven Area Volunteer firefighters responded to the incident. They launched a large search for mountain lions in the area.

CPW biologists euthanized two mountain lions found nearby. Their bodies will undergo necropsy to determine if they were involved in the attack or had any diseases. CPW attempted to locate a third mountain lion but was unsuccessful.

Public Safety Statement

“In accordance with CPW policies, any wildlife involved in a human attack must be euthanized to ensure public safety,” said Van Hoose.

Previous Encounter with Mountain Lions

The Associated Press reported that Gary Messina from Glen Haven encountered a mountain lion on the same trail weeks earlier. He took a photo, and the lion lunged at him. He threw his phone, yelled, and hit the lion with a stick before it ran off.

“I had to fight it off because it was basically trying to maul me,” Messina said. “I was scared for my life and I wasn’t able to escape.”

Mountain Lion Statistics

Colorado has an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, according to CPW. Since 1990, CPW has documented 28 mountain lion attacks resulting in injury in the state. Of these, 11 occurred in the northeast quadrant, including Larimer County. There have been two confirmed fatalities and one suspected fatality due to mountain lion attacks in this area.

Across North America, fewer than 20 people have died from mountain lion attacks in over 100 years, CPW reported in 2019.

Safety Tips for Encountering Mountain Lions

CPW provided the following tips for encountering a mountain lion:

• Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with kittens.
• Stay calm and talk firmly to the lion. Move slowly and do not turn your back.
• Back away slowly if safe. Running may trigger a chase instinct.
• Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket.
• If the lion acts aggressively, throw stones or branches without crouching down.
• Fight back if attacked, targeting the eyes and nose.

Summary of Incident