File this one away under "most metal running news of the week:" A runner suffocated a mountain lion that attacked him in the Fort Collins, Colorado, area yesterday.

While following the West Ridge Trail on Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, the runner said he heard something behind him, and as he turned around to see what it was, an 80-pound big cat lunged at him. He sustained serious injuries to his wrist and face, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, but somehow managed to "fight and break free from the lion, killing the lion in self-defense."

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

“Mountain lion attacks are not common in Colorado, and it is unfortunate that the lion’s hunting instincts were triggered by the runner,” Ty Petersburg, area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said in a press release. “This could have had a very different outcome.”

The man, who was not identified by name, was able to get himself to the hospital following the attack. 

“The runner did everything he could to save his life. In the event of a lion attack, you need to do anything in your power to fight back just as this gentleman did,” said Mark Leslie, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region manager.

Mountain lion attacks on people are rare—since 1990, 16 attacks and three fatalities have occurred in Colorado—but people who suffocate attacking mountain lions are even rarer.

These safety guidelines from Colorado Parks and Wildlife might help you avoid putting a cougar in a sleeper hold:

• Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly and firmly to it. Move slowly and never turn your back on it.
• Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.
• Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run.
• If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion.
• Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. We recommend targeting the eyes and nose as these are sensitive areas. Remain standing or try to get back up!