The “wet kitty” effect.
The mountain lion that mauled a Colorado runner on Monday was later devoured by other animals — possibly other mountain lions — which made it difficult for officials who later conducted a necropsy, or animal autopsy, to identify the big cat’s gender and official weight.
Ty Petersburg, a terrestrial biologist with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told the Coloradoan the feline’s organs had been eaten just two hours after officials had received the initial call about the man, who has not yet been identified publicly, being attacked. ..."
The victim, said to be in his 30s, was attacked from behind on West Ridge Trail in the Larimer County foothills during a run. The man was bitten on his face and wrist before he managed to pick up a rock and slam the animal on the head. He jumped on the animal’s back and choked it to death with his hands, arms and feet, Rebecca Ferrell, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, previously said.
He was treated for his injuries — including facial bite wounds and lacerations to his body — before being released Tuesday morning. He is expected to make a full recovery.
In a separate interview, Petersburg told 9News the man apparently did everything wildlife officials recommend when encountering a wild animal of this kind, such as putting his hands in the air, making noise and standing his ground.
Still, the feline attacked.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...