In a harrowing encounter with a brown bear on Resurrection Pass Trail, Tyler Johnson, a 32-year-old from Alaska, accidentally shot himself while trying to protect himself and his father, Fox Weather reported.
On August 17, Tyler Johnson and his father were hiking just south of Anchorage, Alaska, when they inadvertently startled a brown bear, setting off a terrifying chain of events. The bear, reacting defensively, charged at them. Johnson, attempting to defend himself and his father, pulled out his pistol but in the ensuing chaos, he accidentally shot himself in the leg.
After the shooting, Johnson sent an SOS call, prompting emergency responders. He captured the aftermath on video, documenting his injuries and the tense moments as first aid was administered on the trail while waiting for help.
Hunters later killed the bear during the attack, likely preventing further injury. The decision to kill it focused on ensuring trail users' safety.
The encounter highlights the presence of Alaska's 30,000 brown bears, including grizzlies, with males reaching up to 1,400 pounds in late summer and fall.
Johnson's ordeal continued even after the bear's death. Unsure if all his injuries were from gunshots or the bear, he recalled, "I know he did bite into me … I felt that," indicating the bear made contact during the attack.
After administering first aid, Johnson was airlifted to an Anchorage hospital. His quick thinking and ability to fire his pistol while falling backward saved lives, though he paid a personal cost. "Thankfully, when I was falling backward, I was able to unsheathe my pistol and unload," he said.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety responded quickly and warned other hikers of potential dangers in the area.
Reflecting on the events, Johnson processed the trauma and uncertainty of his injuries. "I wasn't sure at the time whether another injury he received was because he shot himself or if the injury came as a result of the bear mauling him," he said, highlighting the incident's chaos.
The experience is a reminder of the risks in Alaska's wilderness, urging hikers to stay vigilant, make noise, and carry bear spray or firearms for protection.
As Johnson recovers, his story showcases the dangers and awe of Alaska's wilderness, emphasizing survival, presence of mind, and the balance between humans and wildlife.
