MANILA, Philippines – He was armed only with a gun – which had 7 bullets – a lighter, knife, and water, but he still managed to survive at least 18 days alone in California’s Mendocino National Forest.

The Associated Press reported that Gene Peñaflor was found on October 12 after being lost for more than two weeks.

Peñaflor, who is originally from the Philippines, was camping with a long-time friend at a site in Mendocino 6,000 feet above sea level. After separating from his pal to hunt deer, Peñaflor fell into a ditch, hit his head and lost consciousness.

How did he survive? According to the Los Angeles Times, he ate squirrels, snakes, lizards and other animals. Peñaflor’s family told media that Gene is a seasoned hunter and makes a trip to the forest every year. 

Peñaflor recounted that he shot squirrels in the head to keep their bodies intact so he could eat them. He also caught frogs, lizards, and a two-foot brown snake, and toasted them. He was careful about how he cooked his catch and was aware of the dangers of getting Salmonella. 

“I thought my kneecap was broken,” Peñaflor added.  

Aside from losing 13 lbs, however, Peñaflor came out of the forest nearly unscathed and was actually more worried about the squirrels. “Three of them died because of me,” he said.