“Close Encounters: Tourists in the Wild” is a program that highlights the dangers that tourists can encounter when visiting national parks, specifically Yellowstone National Park. The focus is on visitors behaving badly and encountering dangerous wildlife such as bear and bison. One story featured on the show is of Shayne Burke, who survived a harrowing grizzly bear attack in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Shayne Burke and his wife were on an adventurous trip out West from their home in Massachusetts when they had a close encounter with a grizzly bear. Despite facing various challenges in his life, including being deployed to Iraq and battling a brain tumor, Burke believes in preparation and outdoor safety. His quick thinking and possession of bear spray ultimately saved his life during the bear attack.
During the attack, Burke played dead and covered his neck with his arms to protect his arteries. The bear bit his shoulder and legs, causing significant injuries. Fortunately, the bear bit into the can of bear spray that Burke was holding, which he believes saved his life. The encounter lasted less than two minutes, but Burke was able to put some distance between himself and the bear before reaching his wife, who helped stop the bleeding with makeshift tourniquets.
Despite the traumatic experience, Burke insists that he won’t let this incident deter him from enjoying the outdoors. He believes that living with some level of risk is part of truly enjoying life and being in the moment. While he hopes for a period of calm following the attack, Burke remains committed to outdoor activities. Preparation and knowledge of how to respond to a bear attack were crucial in helping him survive.
Experts advise hikers to make noise, hike in groups of at least three, and carry bear spray when exploring bear country. These precautions can help prevent potentially dangerous wildlife encounters. It is essential for outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of the different strategies for black bear and grizzly bear attacks. Proper preparation and awareness of wildlife behavior can make all the difference when visiting national parks and other wilderness areas.
