Authorities in Arapaho National Forest responded to a backcountry emergency Thursday after two campers reported being stalked by a mountain lion near St. Mary’s Glacier, according to officials, as reported by Fox Weather.

The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office received the report from the remote campsite, where the individuals said they were dealing with heavy snow and believed a mountain lion was tracking them.

Deputies identified as Sgt. Aab and Deputy Bertrand were dispatched to the scene.

Video released by the sheriff’s office shows the officers moving through moderate snow and strong winds as they approached the trailhead leading to the campsite.

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When they arrived, they encountered one of the campers, who was attempting to call for help. From there, the deputies used an all-terrain vehicle to travel farther up the trail before conditions forced them to continue on foot.

Officials said the deputies then hiked approximately one mile through blowing snow, limited visibility, and high winds to reach the second camper.

That individual had taken shelter inside a tent and remained there in an effort to avoid drawing attention or provoking an attack from the reported animal.

"The very cold midnight trek on rocky terrain through snow and wind proved successful in that they were able to scare off any wildlife and bring the other camper back safely," the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

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The deputies conducted a search of the surrounding area for signs of the mountain lion but were unable to locate the animal near the campsite.

Despite the conditions and uncertainty surrounding the report, both campers were safely escorted out of the area.

The rescue operation took place overnight, with responders navigating rugged terrain and winter weather conditions in order to reach the campers. The sheriff’s office said the extraction was completed without injury.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, it is not typical for a mountain lion to actively stalk a campsite.

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Officials indicated the animal may have been drawn to the area by other wildlife, such as a fox, rather than targeting the campers directly.

The agency noted that while mountain lion encounters can occur in remote areas, behavior involving persistent stalking of campsites is uncommon.

The incident adds to a series of recent rescues carried out in challenging terrain across the western United States.

Authorities continue to remind outdoor enthusiasts to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions and to remain aware of wildlife in remote areas.

The sheriff’s office did not release the identities of the campers involved in the incident.

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