Surviving the Unthinkable: A Soldier's Grizzly Bear Attack

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Shane Burke shares his incredible story of surviving a grizzly bear attack while hiking on Signal Mountain, highlighting the physical and psychological journey of recovery that followed. From his military deployment in Iraq to the life-threatening wilderness encounter, Shane offers powerful insights about resilience, trauma, and finding purpose through life's most challenging moments.
• Joined the military after 9/11, serving in Iraq as a mechanic in transportation
• Lost three fellow soldiers to suicide after deployment, highlighting the mental health struggles many veterans face
• Developed a passion for wildlife photography after his father's death from cancer, finding healing through nature
• Encountered a grizzly bear and her cub while hiking alone on Signal Mountain
• Survived the attack when his bear spray canister punctured in the bear's mouth during the mauling
• Applied multiple tourniquets and managed severe injuries while waiting for helicopter rescue
• Endured 62 staples, shoulder reconstruction surgery, and ongoing physical therapy
• Faced misconceptions and criticism online from people claiming he provoked the bear
• Uses his experience to help others struggling with trauma and mental health challenges
• Continues working for the Department of Defense while navigating his recovery journey
If you're struggling with mental health or addiction issues, you're not alone. Connect with your support network or check the episode description for helpful resources. Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

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Chapters

0:00 Introducing Shane and His Military Background

8:20 Life as a Mechanic in Iraq Deployment

14:15 Dealing with Loss and Mental Health

21:25 Hiking on Signal Mountain

26:55 The Grizzly Bear Attack

33:10 Survival and Emergency Response

43:35 Recovery and Public Misconceptions

49:30 Mental Health After Trauma

56:15 Life Reflections and Finding Purpose

59:35 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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Produced by Security Halt Media

Chapters

1. Introducing Shane and His Military Background (00:00:00)

2. Life as a Mechanic in Iraq Deployment (00:08:20)

3. Dealing with Loss and Mental Health (00:14:15)

4. Hiking on Signal Mountain (00:21:25)

5. The Grizzly Bear Attack (00:26:55)

6. Survival and Emergency Response (00:33:10)

7. Recovery and Public Misconceptions (00:43:35)

8. Mental Health After Trauma (00:49:30)

9. Life Reflections and Finding Purpose (00:56:15)

10. Closing Thoughts and Resources (00:59:35)