A veteran recounts the traumatic experience of surviving a bear attack - the most violent event he has endured.
Recently, Burke encountered a bear cub around 50-70 yards away. Right after that, a mother grizzly bear suddenly charged towards him.
Sharing the details of this event on Facebook, Burke mentioned that he stood still, shouted, and tried to deploy bear spray to protect himself. However, the bear had already closed the gap before he could react.
The tension in this situation could have resulted in a tragic outcome, either a human or bear fatality.
Burke had been attempting to capture photos of a Great Grey Owl and was on his way back through the wilderness to meet his wife.
With very little time to react, Burke turned his back and lay down on his stomach, bracing for the impending attack. "The first bite and slash was on my back and right shoulder. I screamed. She then turned, stepping on my back. She bit one of my legs, picking me up and slamming me on the ground multiple times," the account described.
The bear bit each of Burke's legs about three times, causing him to scream yet again as she focused on his head. Fortunately, he kept a firm hold of the bear spray, and it exploded in the bear's mouth when she bit it.
"It was the most violent thing I have ever experienced," Burke wrote in the post. "I've experienced being shot at, mortared and IED explosions. I am a disabled Veteran in the Army reserve."
The National Park Service confirmed the attack, saying a 35-year-old man from Massachusetts was hiking in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming when he was mauled by a bear. They noted that the visitor was armed with bear spray and following safety instructions like making noise in a forested area.
Like Burke's social media post, the National Park Service revealed that when the bear touched the man, he fell to the ground on his stomach, trying to "play dead." The bear spray canister exploded in the bear's mouth as it did so.
After the attack, Burke quickly moved to a spot with cellular coverage and informed his wife about the incident. They were unable to communicate for some time, so he texted "attacked" instead.
When his wife called back, Burke recounted the terrifying incident while treating his wounds with what he had on hand. They cut back pack straps, camera straps, and used his fanny pack straps to create improvised tourniquets for the bleeding.
Burke mentioned his wife's role in summoning help, comforting him over the phone, and persuading him to focus on treating his wounds and blowing a rescue whistle. Her Facebook profile lists her as an EMT.
At 4:02 p.m., the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center was informed about the incident.
Knowing he was in a difficult position due to multiple puncture wounds in both legs, Burke prepared for the worst. "In this moment, I accepted on that small hilltop that I very well could die," he wrote.
Fortunately, Burke received timely medical attention, and the rangers found him. They administered emergency medical care and airlifted him to a waiting ambulance before transporting him to the hospital. Burke stated that he had undergone surgery to clean and staple his injuries.
The park service later confirmed that the man was discharged from the hospital on May 20 and is expected to make a full recovery.
Rangers and wildlife biologists visited the scene the day after the incident and determined that the attack was likely a defensive action from a female grizzly bear with a cub. No action has been taken against the bear as of now.
In an emotional outburst, Burke expressed his concern for the well-being of the bear, saying, "The second thing I said to the park rangers was please don't kill the bear, she was defending her cub."
Acknowledging his close brush with death, Burke concluded, "Wrong place, wrong time."
Read this story as if you're talking to a friend about a close call with a bear:
"You know what saved me in that bear attack? Understanding how to react and being prepared with the bear spray. I'm not sure if I used it on the bear, but having it and keeping it close to my body while defending my vital organs was what kept me alive.
"The National Park Service has some good tips for those going on backcountry adventures:
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Make noise, especially in areas where it's hard to see or when sounds are muffled (like near streams or in windy conditions).
- Bring bear spray, learn how to use it, and have it within reach.
- Hike in groups of at least three people.
- Don't run. Instead, back away slowly if you come across a bear."
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In light of Burke's harrowing encounter with a bear, it's important to emphasize the significance of being prepared during wilderness adventures.
While planning future trips, considering bear safety measures such as carrying bear spray and staying in groups could prove vital.
Source: edition.cnn.com
