A Pennsylvania hiker was struck in a tree for nearly five hours after escaping from coyotes in Ocean County.

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

Lewis told police that she thought she had spotted coyotes in the distance and climbed a tree for safety. Lewis cut off a piece of her pants to tie herself to the tree. She says her legs had become too weak to climb down and she didn't have a cellphone to call for help.

A search began after a man heard Lewis' cries for help and called police.

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