The Colorado trail runner who choked a mountain lion to death on Monday hasn’t yet been identified, according to a Thursday report published by FOX News. Said to be in his 30s, the runner was attacked from behind on West Ridge Trail in the Larimer County’s Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

The victim heard something and turned to look as the lion lunged. The mountain lion was young, described as a juvenile by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. After being bitten in the face and wrist, the runner broke free and ultimately killed the lion in self-defense, per a news release issued by the state’s wildlife agency.

According to FOX and many other news outlets, the trail runner “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.”

The victim was treated at a local hospital for puncture wounds and lacerations before being released. He is expected to make a full recovery. The Coloradoan later reported that the mountain lion was badly eaten by another animal so the sex and weight could not positively be identified. Colorado Parks and Wildlife terrestrial biologist Ty Petersburg told the newspaper that, “in the two hours between when officers received the call of the man being attacked and when they arrived on scene, the young lion’s organs had been eaten.”

“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 are extremely rare but those sharing outdoor space with wildlife should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. With that said, data should anchor fears. There have been fewer than 20 mountain lion fatalities in North America in more than 100 years. In Colorado, 16 people have sustained injuries as a result of mountain lion attacks and three have been killed since 1990. Generally, mountain lions prefer to avoid human contact and are considered elusive animals.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife have issued these six tips for those who may encounter a mountain lion:

1. 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.
2. Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly and firmly to it. Move slowly and never turn your back on it.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. 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!