Colorado jogger strangles mountain lion to death with bare hands after attack on trail near Denver
- ‘In the event of a lion attack, you need to do anything in your power to fight back, just as this gentleman did’
A Colorado jogger strangled a mountain lion to death in the foothills of Horsetooth Mountain, northwest of Denver, acting in self-defence after the predator attacked him, authorities said on Tuesday.
The man, who was not identified, survived the life-and-death struggle in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a mountain park less than 110km (70 miles) from Denver, officials said.
The man was running on a trail when the young cougar attacked him from behind, biting and clawing his face, back, legs and arms, state and local officials said in a joint statement late on Monday.
During the struggle, the man strangled the wild animal with his bare hands, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Rebecca Ferrell said by phone on Tuesday.
Canadian TV host Steve Ecklund killed a cougar to stir fry. Social media roasted him
“There was some wrestling going on and the cat did latch onto his arm but he was able to choke it,” she said.