Colorado wildlife officials report human DNA on one euthanized mountain lion

The Larimer County coroner confirmed a hiker was killed in a mountain lion attack, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife said human DNA was found on the paws of one of two juvenile lions that were euthanized.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Larimer County Coroner released findings after a hiker was killed on the Crosier Mountain Trail in northern Colorado. Officials identified the victim as 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch and said the death was consistent with a mountain lion attack. Two juvenile mountain lions were located near the scene and euthanized, and one was found to have human DNA on its paws. The agency said testing for rabies and other neurological diseases was negative and that the search for a third lion has ended. Known details: - The Larimer County Coroner confirmed the woman was killed in an attack by a mountain lion and the death was ruled accidental. - Two juvenile mountain lions were found near the victim; one male’s paws tested positive for human DNA during necropsy and the female showed no detected human DNA. - The animals tested negative for rabies and other neurological diseases, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the search for an additional lion concluded and the trail has reopened. Summary: Officials say the coroner’s findings and necropsy results link a mountain lion to the hiker’s death and that wildlife officers located and euthanized two juvenile lions near the scene. Undetermined at this time.