TETON COUNTY, Wyo. – A disabled combat veteran from Massachusetts, Shayne Patrick, recently survived a harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The 35-year-old photographer was exploring the Signal Mountain Summit Road area when he came face to face with a mother grizzly protecting her cub.
Patrick, who has faced combat situations in the past, described the bear attack as the most violent experience of his life. Despite encountering gunfire, mortars, and IED explosions, the bear encounter left him with serious injuries, including puncture wounds to his hand, legs, and upper back.
Accompanied by his wife, Patrick had ventured to Signal Mountain in hopes of capturing photos of a Great Grey Owl in its natural habitat. As he ventured into a wooded valley, he spotted a brown bear cub and immediately sensed the danger. Despite attempting to deploy bear spray, the mother bear charged at him, leading to a violent struggle.
Fortunately, Patrick’s quick thinking with the bear spray saved his life when the bear attempted a fatal bite on his neck. The spray detonated in the bear’s mouth, deterring the attack. The National Park Service recommends carrying bear spray when exploring rural parks like Grand Teton to prevent such encounters and reduce harm to both humans and bears.
Park officials advise against running from bears, as it can trigger attacks from non-aggressive bears. They also caution against direct eye contact and climbing trees, as bears may interpret these actions as threats. Patrick’s use of improvised tourniquets helped him survive until rescue crews located him and rushed him to the hospital for treatment.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife safety and respect for nature when venturing into bear country. Patrick’s fortunate escape highlights the need for visitors to be prepared and educated about how to handle encounters with bears in national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone.