Boston, Massachusetts – A man’s terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear in Moose, Wyoming, has shocked social media users. Shayne Patrick Burke, a 35-year-old South Hadley resident, shared his harrowing experience after being attacked by a bear on Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Burke, a disabled Army veteran and nature enthusiast, was out in the woods looking to photograph a Great Grey Owl when he stumbled upon a mother grizzly bear and her cub. Despite his respect for wildlife, Burke found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Upon spotting the bear cub, Burke attempted to defend himself by deploying bear spray, but the mother bear charged at him. In a desperate attempt to survive, he laid down on his belly and protected his vital organs as the bear viciously attacked him. The bear’s attention was diverted when the bear spray canister exploded in her mouth, giving Burke the chance to escape.
Despite sustaining severe injuries to his legs and back, Burke displayed remarkable resilience and presence of mind. He applied improvised tourniquets to his legs while waiting for help to arrive. Through a phone call, emergency services were able to locate him in the dense woods, and he was airlifted to safety.
Burke credits his survival to the UDAP Bear Spray he carried with him. His injuries, though severe, are expected to heal, and he is on the path to recovery. Through his harrowing ordeal, Burke’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected in the wilderness. His love and respect for wildlife remain unwavering, despite the traumatic experience he endured.