I cannot imagine the pain he was in and how he accomplished this.

What incredible will to live.

This man's will to live and fortitude remind me of the poor animal who chews off a leg to escape from a cruel trap.

I think, though, that faced with the same situation I would have carved away at the tree instead of my leg. Not to say that he didn't--the article is sketchy as to details.

I think I could have held out a little longer than 11 hours before cutting my leg off. That's just me.

The tree would definitely be the target for me, too

Here's the problem I have with this. The guy is up in his years, like 66 years old, out cutting trees- alone.
So he has a tree drop on him pinning his leg. He *thought* he chose the path of least resistance by cutting his own flesh and bone instead of the big, tough tree.

Hello? What about the GROUND? Maybe he could have dug around his leg creating a trench releasing pressure from his leg. At least he could have freed himself without cutting off his own leg. I guess that's why they say not to panic when faced with disaster, you'll think much more clearly if you just keep your cool.

What about the GROUND? Maybe he could have dug around his leg creating a trench releasing pressure from his leg.

Wow. Very good point. I guess we'd have to know more details about how the leg was pinned to say for sure.

I'm just surprised that there are people living in the U.S. in towns that have no electricity!

Great comments. I'll have to keep the suggestions in mind if I ever trapped. Eek.

Agree...seems we have a few survival experts here. If i'm ever trapped, hopefully i'll have my laptop with me and can post a clip about it. Seems i'll get all sorts of great advice (i'll be sure to subscribe to comments on that clip )

Anyway, i give this guy massive props. Maybe his decision wasn't perfect, but to endure the pain of cutting your leg off is something i can't even begin to imagine.

In reading the entire article, it states that the man is diabetic. Perhaps he had less feeling in the leg due to diabetic neuropathy.

the article is sketchy as to details.

Very true