Shayne Patrick Burke, a 35-year-old disabled Army combat veteran and wildlife photographer, survived a brutal attack by a mother grizzly bear while hiking up Signal Mountain in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Burke had set out alone and ventured into the wilderness to photograph a Great Grey Owl. However, during his solo journey, he encountered the mother bear protecting her cub, resulting in a violent and terrifying attack.
Despite noticing a brown bear cub running up a hill about 50-70 yards away, Burke found himself face-to-face with the charging mother bear. He attempted to use bear spray and yelled at the bear to deter it, but the animal continued to attack. Burke took defensive measures by laying prone on his belly with his hands interlocked behind his neck to protect his vital areas. The bear bit and slashed at him multiple times, inflicting serious injuries.
During the attack, Burke held onto his can of bear spray, which eventually exploded in the bear’s mouth as she went in for a kill bite on his neck. This unexpected turn of events may have saved his life and allowed the bear to retreat to her cubs. Despite his injuries, Burke managed to text his wife for help, apply improvised tourniquets to his legs, and call 911 to guide rescue teams to his location in the woods.
After a difficult search, Burke was found and transported to a hospital in Jackson, Wyoming, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. Despite the severity of the attack, Burke expressed his love and respect for wildlife and emphasized that the mother bear was only defending her cub. Park officials confirmed the attack and decided not to capture or kill the bear, acknowledging that such incidents are not uncommon as the grizzly population in the region has increased.
Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Burke described it as the most violent encounter he has ever faced, surpassing his previous experiences in combat situations. He expressed gratitude for surviving the attack and vowed to make a full recovery. As incidents of bear attacks continue to occur each year, park officials advise visitors to give bears space, carry bear spray, and avoid leaving out food that may attract these wild animals. Overall, Burke’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in the wilderness.
