Clear Creek County, CO — Two campers were rescued from St. Mary’s Glacier late on the night of Thursday, April 2, after reporting that a mountain lion was stalking their campsite, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Deputies hiked a mile through snow, wind, and freezing temperatures to reach the camp — but no mountain lion was ever found. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which also responded, said the animal was more likely a fox.
The incident began around 10 PM when CCSO received a call from two campers at the popular alpine destination, located west of Idaho Springs in the Arapaho National Forest. One of the campers reported that a large animal was circling their tent and pushing against the fabric.
One camper left the campsite and hiked to the trailhead parking lot to call for help. The other stayed behind, sheltering inside his tent.
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Deputies Launch Midnight Backcountry Rescue
Sergeant Nick Aab and Deputy Adam Bertrand responded with an ATV, meeting the first camper at the trailhead. The three rode the ATV up the trail as far as it could go, then continued on foot for approximately one mile through rocky, snow-covered terrain to reach the second camper.
In an interview with 9News, Deputy Bertrand described what the camper reported: the man said he saw something pushing into his tent near the door and could hear something brushing against the sides.
The two campers were in separate tents and had communicated with each other as the encounter unfolded, unsure of what was outside.
By the time deputies arrived at the campsite and conducted a search, no animal was found. They escorted both campers safely out of the area. The rescue concluded around midnight.
Body camera footage released by CCSO shows the deputies walking through moderate snow and high winds with flashlights, scanning the area around the tents.
CPW: Behavior Inconsistent With a Mountain Lion
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also responded to the scene. According to CCSO, CPW officials explained that it is not typical for a mountain lion to stalk a campsite. Multiple reports indicate that CPW suggested the animal — if one was present at all — may have been a fox.
Mountain lions are solitary, elusive animals that tend to avoid humans. While encounters do occur in Colorado, a mountain lion deliberately investigating an occupied tent would be highly unusual behavior.
No animal tracks or other physical evidence were reported.
Deputies Credit (and Ribs) Alpine Rescue Team
In a social media post, CCSO struck a lighthearted tone about the incident, writing, “We admire Alpine Rescue Team so much that we wanted to be like them.” The post added that the conditions during the rescue “proved WHY we leave backcountry rescues to the experts at Alpine Rescue Team.”
Alpine Rescue Team is an all-volunteer search and rescue organization that serves Clear Creek County and has conducted technical rescues in the St. Mary’s Glacier area for decades.
Spring Conditions at St. Mary's Glacier Are No Joke
St. Mary’s Glacier sits at roughly 10,500 feet in elevation and remains snow-covered well into spring — and sometimes year-round. In early April, overnight temperatures at that elevation routinely drop below freezing, and gusty winds are common.
The site is one of the most popular short hikes near Denver and Idaho Springs, attracting visitors year-round. But the conditions that greet hikers on a sunny afternoon can change dramatically after dark, especially for those who plan to camp.
This is not the first emergency at St. Mary’s Glacier. In a previous incident, a man died after falling on the steep, icy terrain near the glacier.
Anyone camping at high elevation in Colorado during the spring should be prepared for winter-like conditions, including sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, and limited visibility — even when the weather looks mild during the day.
What to Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
While CPW believes this particular encounter likely involved a fox rather than a mountain lion, it’s worth reviewing what to do if you actually encounter one in Colorado’s backcountry. Mountain lion sightings are uncommon but not unheard of, particularly at dawn and dusk in foothill and montane environments.
According to CPW and the National Park Service:
- Do not run. Running can trigger a mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
- Make yourself appear larger. Raise your arms, open your jacket wide, or stand on a rock.
- Face the animal and back away slowly. Maintain eye contact while putting distance between you and the animal.
- Speak firmly and loudly. Yelling, clapping, or banging pots can deter a lion.
- Do not crouch or bend over. This can make you look like prey.
- Fight back if attacked. People have successfully fought off mountain lions by kicking, striking with rocks or sticks, and using bear spray.
- Keep children and pets close. Small children and dogs are more vulnerable to mountain lion encounters.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see our full guide: What to Do If You Encounter a Cougar.
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