An American, a Russian, and a Frenchman go on a hike...

About 10 minutes up the path they come to a sudden bend with the rest of the trail out of sight.
They decide to have each other to scout ahead.
First, the American goes up.
He comes back all beaten up and carrying a dead mountain lion on his back.
The others asked what happened to him, he throws the lion on the ground and explains.
"Well, I was moving up and out of nowhere, **WHAM** I run into this lion!"
The other two nod understandingly and they push onwards.
They come to another turn.
The Russian decides he should go up to scout as well just in case.
He comes back beaten up holding a dead wolf under his arm.
The others asked what the hell happened.
"Well, you see. I was walking up watching out for lions when, **WHAM** I run into this lone wolf."
Both nod and they go up the path to find yet **another** turn
The Frenchman realizes that he should go up as well since his friends are all worn out.
He goes up and comes back beaten, but holding nothing.
The American and the Russian were wondering what the hell happened.
"Well... you see I was moving up the path and out of nowhere, **WHAM** I run into a tree."