Warning: Contains content some readers may find upsetting
A 32-year-old man documented one of the most nonchalant videos ever recorded just after surviving a bear attack and inadvertently shooting himself in the leg.
Such a harrowing experience would likely leave most people devastated, but not Tyler Johnson.
Johnson was on a hunting trip with his father and hiking on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska when they came face to face with a brown bear.
Recounting the encounter to CNN, Johnson stated: “It was a growl and then an immediate charge.”
In mere seconds, the bear knocked Johnson to the ground and bit his leg, while both he and his father drew their guns and started firing at the animal.
In the chaos, Johnson accidentally shot himself in the upper leg, but the pair did manage to injure the bear as well.
Right after the bear was neutralized, Johnson looked at his leg and remarked: “Dad, I shot myself.”
Johnson’s father, Chris, an Alaska State Trooper with over 30 years of service with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, quickly sprang into action due to his extensive experience. He promptly started wrapping the gunshot wound in gauze.
Chris then used an SOS signal to reach out to emergency troopers, informing them of the incident and requesting assistance.
While waiting for help, Johnson started filming a video where he described the incident and nonchalantly mentioned that he had shot himself in the leg.
“We got an SOS out… I’m trying to get my heart rate a little bit slower right now. It’s a beautiful day!” he said.
Johnson explained to CNN that the adrenaline coursing through his body helped dull the pain, and he also used breathing exercises and music to keep his mind off the injury.
He also credited his father with helping him stay calm, saying: “It’s those little things that try to help you through a hard moment. Realizing that you’re there with the only person you would want to be there with was really comforting.”
When the rescue helicopter arrived, Johnson was given an IV and transported to a hospital in Anchorage. He is now on the mend from his injury.
Upon his rescue, Johnson learned that troopers had revisited the attack site and found a cub in the vicinity, which might clarify the bear’s aggressive behavior.
After continuing his recovery in Anchorage, Johnson is now preparing to return to Austin, Texas.