Trail Runner Suffocates Attacking Mountain Lion, Kills Animal in Self Defense
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.05.19
In a rather rare occurrence, a Colorado trail runner suffocates attacking mountain lion in self defense on Horsetooth Mountain in Larimer County.
“After additional investigation, including examination of the lion, we have confirmed the victim’s account that he was able to suffocate the animal while defending himself from the attack,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife tweeted out early Tuesday morning – the attack occurred on Monday, Feb. 4.
After additional investigation, including examination of the lion, we have confirmed the victim’s account that he was able to suffocate the animal while defending himself from the attack.
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) February 5, 2019
According to Denver Post, the jogger had no weapons on his person when the cat attacked him from behind, and it remains unclear if he strangled or smothered the mountain lion.
“It’s an amazing story. Everyone is baffled and impressed,” said Rebecca Ferrell, spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “He had no weapons, no knives or trekking poles with him. How did he do it? It’s pretty rare. That is definitely a twist on this, I’m sure.”
Still, certain questions remain including exactly how the man – who has not been identified publicly – suffocated the animal sans the use of any weapon.
The victim was still in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon receiving treatment for his injuries.
“Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado and it is unfortunate that the lion’s hunting instincts were triggered by the runner,” said Ty Petersburg, area wildlife manger for CPW. “This could have had a very different outcome.”
“With a mountain lion, your best chance is to fight. If you make yourself small they will think you are prey,” Ferrell said.
