Jogger’s Rocky Battle in the Horsetooth Hills
On a crisp Monday (Feb 4), a Colorado runner found himself in the middle of a wild showdown with a mountain lion in the foothills of Horsetooth Mountain. The incident left the jogger with serious bites, but he managed to take down the feral feline in self‑defence, according to authorities.
What Happened on the Trail
- Location: West Ridge, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space—about 66 mi northwest of Denver.
- The Encounter: A young lion, unseen from behind, sprang out of the foliage and began biting and clawing the runner’s face, back, legs, and arms.
- Outcome: The man managed to kill the animal and then rushed to a nearby hospital, where his injuries were serious but thankfully not life‑threatening.
Sources like the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) and Larimer County Department of Natural Resources had no comment on the exact method used to dispatch the beast, but they confirmed that the body was found nearby and sent to a CPW lab for a necropsy.
Why This Matters
- United States: under 20
fatalities from lion attacks in 100 years. - Colorado: 16 documented attacks since 1990.
Mark Leslie, CPW Northeast Regional Manager, emphasized the runner’s quick thinking: “The runner did everything he could to save his life.” And CPW’s wildlife manager, Ty Petersburg, added, “Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado, and it’s unfortunate that the lion’s hunting instincts were triggered by the runner.”
Take‑Away Lessons for Trail‑Goers
While lion encounters are rare, this incident serves as a reminder that:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- In a true animal attack, fight back to protect yourself.
- Seek medical help immediately if bitten.
So next time you hit the trail near Horsetooth, keep a keen eye on those brushy trees, and remember: If you ever get a “pounce surprise,” your survival instinct can be the difference between a trip to the ER and a wild adventure that ends in a conservation report.
