A snowboarder who experienced a harrowing encounter with a brown bear in the Alaskan wilderness shared the decisive action he took to survive.
In February 2021, Bart Pieciul embarked on a skiing and snowboarding trip near Haines, Alaska, with two friends, unaware of the impending danger they would face.
During their adventure, the group inadvertently crossed over a bear’s den, awakening the bear as it sought to protect its cubs.
Initially, Bart, then 38 years old, mistook the bear for a porcupine. However, as the figure grew larger, he realized a bear was charging towards him.
Attempting to deter the bear, Bart made himself appear larger and spoke firmly, but the bear was undeterred and attacked, biting into his wrist.
The assault continued with the bear shaking Bart violently. Realizing the bear might want him dead, Bart decided to play dead to appease the bear.
Remarkably, Bart remained silent throughout the mauling, enduring bites to his neck, hip, arm, and buttocks.
His tactic proved effective as the bear eventually left, allowing Bart to survive the ordeal.
Bart’s survival is chronicled in an episode of Wondery’s Against The Odds podcast, where a friend discovers him curled in a ball, blood staining the snow from his wounds.
Bart’s left wrist suffered the most severe injury, with the bone exposed.
Despite remaining conscious, Bart recognized the severity of his injuries and shared vital information with his friends, including his computer password, social security number, and his mother’s phone number.
“Tell my mom I love her,” Bart instructed.
One friend, equipped with a satellite device, sent a GPS coordinate to emergency responders, though help was hours away, with the nearest coastguard helicopter situated 150 miles distant.
During the ensuing hours, the group preserved warmth using a mylar blanket and a makeshift fire.
Eventually, the sound of a helicopter signaled rescue, and Bart was transported for emergency surgery.
Amazingly, Bart regained full function of his hand and returned to the wilderness within months.