Hiker climbs tree to escape coyotes, gets stuck for 5 hours

MANCHESTER, N.J. (AP) -- A hiker trying to escape from coyotes in a wooded area of southern New Jersey has gotten stuck in a tree for nearly five hours.

The Asbury Park Press says Manchester Township police found April Lewis tied to a tree about 15 feet off the ground early Monday.

The Quakertown, Pennsylvania, resident thought she had spotted coyotes in the distance and climbed the tree for safety. Lewis cut off a piece of her pants to tie herself to the tree but didn't have her cellphone to call for help.

A man heard Lewis' cries and called police.

Officers found Lewis. Firefighters helped her down from the tree. She was evaluated at the scene and was released.

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