This week on The Bend Show: hiking headlines, we report on a deadly mountain lion attack and then how a drone delivered hope to a stranded hiker. Plus a blast from the past nostalgia. Retro fun—from “Rad” vs “6–7” to Red Rover and rotary phones—could Gen Z figure them out? Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!
Authorities have ended the search for mountain lions after a solo hiker was fatally attacked on a remote Colorado trail near Rocky Mountain National Park.
The victim was identified as 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch of Fort Collins. She was found dead on New Year’s Day along the Crosier Mountain Trail, southeast of the small community of Glen Haven. Two hikers discovered her body around noon and reported seeing a mountain lion nearby, which they scared off by throwing rocks. One of the hikers, a physician, tried to help but could not find a pulse.
An autopsy confirmed Kovatch died from asphyxia caused by compression to her neck. The Larimer County Coroner ruled her death an accident, saying her injuries were consistent with a mountain lion attack. It was Colorado’s first fatal mountain lion attack since the late 1990s and only the fourth reported in North America over the past decade.
Wildlife officers killed two mountain lions in the area later that day. Officials say one of the animals, a male, had human DNA on its paws. A third lion was reportedly seen, but after four days of searching with no further evidence, authorities called off the effort and reopened nearby trails.
Kovatch’s family described her as an ultramarathon runner who loved hiking and Colorado’s public lands. Wildlife officials note there have been several mountain lion encounters in the region in recent months, including attacks on dogs and a runner who fought off a lion last fall.
Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions, which are rarely aggressive toward humans but can pose a risk in isolated areas.
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In a first-of-its-kind rescue, Phoenix firefighters used a delivery drone to help a stranded hiker on Camelback Mountain in Arizona last month.
The hiker was spotted in the evening, just after 8 p.m., waving for help from the rocky Camel’s Head area. With darkness setting in and the terrain too dangerous to navigate at night, rescuers knew they couldn’t reach him until morning.
Instead of leaving him without help, the Phoenix Fire Department launched a weight-bearing drone. The drone flew supplies directly to the mountaintop, delivering a cell phone, food, water, and a blanket to keep the hiker safe and comfortable overnight.
Camelback Mountain sees dozens of rescues every year, often due to extreme heat and difficult trails. Until now, firefighters relied mostly on helicopters and ground crews. But drones—originally introduced in 2022 for wildfire monitoring—are changing how rescues are handled.
The department’s drones use thermal imaging and can carry up to six pounds. Each drone costs about $15,000, but firefighters say the technology is already proving its value. Crews were able to make multiple quick supply drops during the night—something that would have taken much longer on foot.
Phoenix Fire officials say this mission highlights their commitment to using new technology to protect both firefighters and the public, and they plan to keep expanding how drones are used in future rescues.
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Walk down memory lane as we share what is now considered "Nostalgic".
Here are some examples:
Listen to the full episode to catch all the fun we shared walking down memory lane!
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Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.
With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land.
United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day.
To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.
