In the vast wilderness of the Alberta Rockies, Jeremy Evans faced a terrifying ordeal that would forever change his life. During a hunting trip in the summer of 2017, Evans unexpectedly encountered a grizzly bear and her cub, triggering a brutal attack that left him with horrific injuries. His incredible story of survival, detailed in his book “Mauled: Lessons Learned From A Grizzly Bear Attack,” offers profound insights into resilience, the power of the human spirit, and crucial lessons for anyone venturing into bear country.
The Unforeseen Attack: A Hunter’s Nightmare
Evans recounts the moment his peaceful sheep-watching turned into a fight for survival. Lowering his binoculars, he was startled by a small brown figure darting nearby – a bear cub. Instinctively, the protective mother grizzly was instantly upon him. “Before I knew it, the bear was attacking,” Evans recalls, emphasizing the sudden and violent nature of the encounter. The grizzly, estimated to be around 300 pounds, unleashed a ferocious assault.
Image: Book cover of “Mauled: Lessons Learned From A Grizzly Bear Attack” by Jeremy Evans and Crosbie Cotton, juxtaposed with a photo of Jeremy Evans and his daughter in the hospital post-attack, illustrating the personal story behind the survival lessons.
The bear’s initial bite was devastating, Evans explains: “Her first bite on my face… her two front canine teeth caught me—one in the corner of the eye and the other side of the eye and down by my jaw. She just crunched all of that in one bite.” Desperate, Evans fought back, using his backpack to strike the bear and even attempting to gouge its eyes and throat. Despite his efforts, the grizzly continued its relentless attack, leaving Evans severely injured and struggling to defend himself. He vividly describes the gruesome reality of the attack, finding parts of his face in his hands and his eye hanging from its socket.
Survival Against the Odds: Resilience in the Face of Trauma
Despite the excruciating pain and shock, Evans’ will to live kicked in. After the bear finally retreated, his ordeal was far from over. Injured and alone, he faced the daunting task of getting to safety. He began descending the mountainside, only to fall further into a ravine, compounding his injuries. Unable to move, Evans reached a point of despair. In a moment of unexpected inspiration, he played music on his phone. Ironically, the first song to play was “Baby Shark,” a tune he knew from his six-month-old daughter.
“That song played and that gave me the strength to get up and crawl out of there.”
This seemingly trivial children’s song became an unlikely source of strength, motivating him to crawl towards safety. He attributes this moment to the profound importance of family, even in the direst circumstances. Evans’ journey to the lodge, where he eventually found help, took almost eight grueling hours, highlighting his incredible endurance and determination to survive.
Image: A before-and-after view of Jeremy Evans: on the left, a selfie taken in the hospital immediately after the grizzly attack, showcasing the severity of his facial injuries; on the right, Evans pictured hunting in the same area just one year later, demonstrating his remarkable physical and mental recovery.
Upon reaching the lodge, his arrival was met with disbelief and immediate action. A nine-year-old boy initially thought it was a prank, underscoring the unbelievable nature of Evans’ condition. The lodge members quickly arranged for a helicopter to transport him to emergency medical care, initiating his long road to recovery. Even facing such critical injuries, Evans’ humor shone through when recounting his interaction with the rescue team, even joking about going fishing before being airlifted.
Key Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Encounter: Beyond Physical Survival
Jeremy Evans’ story transcends a mere survival narrative; it offers valuable lessons applicable to life’s broader challenges. His experience underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of preparedness in bear country. While he was an experienced hunter, the suddenness of the attack emphasizes that even seasoned outdoorsmen can be vulnerable.
One crucial lesson is the significance of mental fortitude. Evans’ ability to find strength in a moment of despair, even from a children’s song, demonstrates the power of the human mind in overcoming adversity. Furthermore, his openness about seeking psychiatric help after the attack breaks down stigmas surrounding mental health.
“Asking for psychiatric help is not a sign of weakness. Like that’s a sign of strength.”
Evans emphasizes that seeking help for PTSD and trauma is a sign of strength, not weakness. His willingness to share his struggles with PTSD highlights the long-term impact of such traumatic events and the importance of addressing mental health as part of recovery.
“Mauled”: Sharing Lessons of Resilience and Recovery
Evans, alongside award-winning journalist Crosbie Cotton, penned “Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack” to share his experiences and the profound lessons he gleaned from his ordeal. The book serves not only as a gripping survival story but also as a source of inspiration and practical wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of setting small goals to achieve significant milestones, a principle Evans applied throughout his recovery.
The book also reinforces the significance of prioritizing family and pursuing one’s passions, even after life-altering events. Evans returned to hunting soon after his recovery, demonstrating his determination not to let fear dictate his life. Ultimately, “Mauled” is a testament to human resilience, the importance of mental and physical preparedness, and the enduring power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. Evans’ story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of being “mauled” by life’s challenges, lessons can be learned, and strength can be found.
Image: A heartwarming contrast: on the left, Jeremy Evans is pictured with the family at the ranch who assisted him immediately after the bear attack, highlighting their heroic role in his survival; on the right, a snapshot of a handwritten mini-article by the nine-year-old boy who first encountered Evans, affectionately calling him “Bear Dude,” celebrating Evans as his hero.
