Woman’s body found in Sangre de Cristo Ranches

Animal attack possible cause of death

By PRISCILLA WAGGONER, Courier Reporter
Posted 1/29/25

ALAMOSA — A woman’s body was found with signs of bite marks and scratches Thursday evening in Costilla County, according to the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office. 

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Woman’s body found in Sangre de Cristo Ranches

Animal attack possible cause of death

Posted

ALAMOSA — A woman’s body was found with signs of bite marks and scratches Thursday evening in Costilla County, according to the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office. 

The woman’s body was transported to the El Paso County Coroner where an autopsy would be conducted on Tuesday to determine cause of death, according to Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez. 

Thursday evening, the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a report of a woman’s body that had been found in the Indian Creek Subdivision of the Sangre de Cristo Ranches. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the woman whose body showed signs of bite marks and scratches. 

“We don’t know if the death was due to natural causes,” Sheriff Sanchez told the Valley Courier Sunday evening. “And we don’t know if the death was caused by an animal of some type. But we don’t suspect foul play was involved.”  

“At this time, we are unable to verify what type of animal may be responsible for the attack, until further analysis is completed,” read a statement on the CCSO Facebook page. 

The Costilla County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are currently investigating the case. Sanchez said CCSO is cautioning anyone who lives around or visits the area to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Deputies hiked the immediate area with the assistance of CBI and did not locate anything to identify the animal.