South Hadley, Massachusetts – A man from Massachusetts, Shayne Patrick Burke, had a terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear near Signal Mountain Summit Road in Moose, Wyoming. The 35-year-old was seriously injured in the attack, prompting a response from Grand Teton National Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue personnel. Burke was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital for treatment.
Burke shared his harrowing experience, emphasizing his love and respect for wildlife. He recounted his walk through the woods on Signal Mountain, hoping to spot a Great Grey Owl when he encountered a mother grizzly bear and her cub. Despite being a disabled Army veteran with experience in combat zones, Burke described the bear attack as the most violent experience of his life.
As Burke walked through the thick wooded area, he spotted the bear cub and prepared to defend himself with bear spray. When the mother bear charged towards him, he stood his ground, attempted to deploy the spray, but was ultimately attacked. The bear inflicted severe injuries on Burke, biting and slashing at his back, legs, and head. In a desperate attempt to survive, Burke used the bear spray to deter the bear momentarily, allowing him to escape and call for help.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Burke managed to contact his wife and emergency services while applying improvised tourniquets to his legs to control the bleeding. With the help of his phone’s GPS, the helicopter rescue team located him in the woods, where he awaited medical assistance. Burke credited the UDAP Bear Spray for potentially saving his life during the vicious bear attack.
Although Burke’s injuries were significant, he is expected to recover fully from the ordeal. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous encounters that can occur in wildlife settings, even for experienced individuals like Burke. His bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger highlight the importance of preparedness and respect for nature in such situations.