Jackson, Wyoming – A military veteran from Massachusetts narrowly escaped death in a terrifying bear attack at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Shayne Patrick Burke, 35, found himself face-to-face with a mother grizzly bear while hiking up Signal Mountain with the intention of photographing a Great Grey Owl.

Burke’s encounter turned into a life-threatening situation as the bear charged towards him unexpectedly. Despite trying to deter the bear by making noise and positioning himself in a defensive stance, the bear mauled him, inflicting severe injuries to his back, shoulder, leg, and neck.

In a stroke of luck, Burke’s life was spared when the bear bit into a can of bear spray as it attacked him. The sudden explosion of the can in the bear’s mouth frightened it away, allowing Burke the opportunity to escape and seek help.

Following the attack, Burke managed to apply improvised tourniquets to his legs to control bleeding and called 911 for assistance. He was later located by a rescue helicopter and airlifted to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming for surgery. Despite the harrowing experience, Burke maintained his respect for wildlife and urged park rangers not to harm the bear, recognizing that she was protecting her cub.

For Burke, who had previously faced combat in the military, the bear attack proved to be the most violent experience of his life. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat, even for those with military training.

The incident underscores the importance of respecting wildlife and being prepared for unexpected encounters, especially in areas known to be habitats for bears. As Burke continues to recover from his injuries, he remains grateful for the support and swift response of rescue teams that ultimately saved his life.