Horsetooth Mountain trail runner kills mountain lion in self-defense

FORT COLLINS, Colorado – A man running on West Ridge Trail at Horsetooth Mountain Park killed a self-defeating mountain lion on Monday afternoon, according to a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The victim, whose name was not disclosed, survived the attack but suffered facial lacerations, wrist injuries and scratches. Wildlife officials said he also received and punched injuries to his arms, legs and back.

The man said he heard something behind him on the trail and was attacked while he was turning to investigate, the statement said. The lion threw himself on the runner, biting his face and wrist. The man was able to fight and free himself from the lion.

The first version of the Wildlife Agency did not mention the state of the animal. However, a subsequent press release indicated that wildlife officers had found the body of the animal "a few feet from several property that the victim had asked officers to search on the trail".

The lion was taken to an animal health laboratory for an autopsy.

The rider sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack. He walked up to safety and went to the hospital, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

"Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado and it is unfortunate that the rider has unleashed the lion's hunting instinct," said Ty Petersburg, Wildlife Protection Officer for Colorado Parks. Wildlife. "It could have had a very different result."

Mountain lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than 20 deaths in North America in over 100 years, according to the CPW. Since 1990, Colorado has suffered 16 injuries as a result of mountain lions attacks and three deaths.

CPW provided the following tips on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Do not approach a lion, especially if he is feeding or has kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Stay calm when you come across a lion. Speak calmly and firmly. Move slowly and never turn your back.
• Stop or recoil slowly, if you can do it safely. Running can stimulate the lion's instinct to hunt and attack. Face the lion and stand up.
• Do everything you can to look bigger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you wear one. If you have young children with you, protect them by picking them up so that they do not panic and run.
• If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches, or whatever else you can put your hand on your back without squatting or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion that you are not prey and that you could actually be a danger to the lion.
• Defend yourself if a lion attacks you. Lions have been hunted by prey who defend themselves. People fought back with stones, sticks, caps or jackets, gardening tools and their bare hands. We recommend targeting the eyes and nose because they are sensitive areas. Stand up or try to get up!