Boston, Massachusetts – A 35-year-old military veteran from Massachusetts survived a terrifying bear attack at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, describing it as the most violent experience of his life. Shayne Patrick Burke was hiking up Signal Mountain in search of a Great Grey Owl when he encountered a bear cub, followed by a mother grizzly bear charging towards him.
In a stunning turn of events, Burke managed to survive the brutal mauling by the mother bear. He recalled shouting and employing techniques to avoid a surprise encounter with the bear, but ultimately found himself face-to-face with the aggressive animal. Despite his efforts to deter the bear, he was viciously attacked, sustaining severe injuries to his back, shoulder, and legs.
During the attack, Burke made a split-second decision to turn his back to the bear and protect his vital areas. Miraculously, as the bear went for his neck, she accidentally bit the bear spray canister he was holding, causing it to explode in her mouth. This unexpected turn of events likely saved Burke’s life as the bear retreated, allowing him to escape and seek help.
Following the attack, Burke applied improvised tourniquets to his legs to control the bleeding before calling 911 for assistance. A rescue helicopter located him and transported him to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, where he underwent surgery. Despite the traumatic experience, Burke holds no ill will towards the bear, understanding that she was protecting her cub in a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As a disabled Army veteran who has faced combat situations, Burke expressed that the bear attack was the most violent incident he had ever encountered. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal, he maintains his love and respect for wildlife and advocated against harming the bear for acting on her instinct to defend her cub.