I Survived Being Mauled By a Bear

[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

What’s the wildest survival story you’ve ever heard?

[@maviskilpatrick7592]

Not really a story but I’ve read about mountain men who were only afraid of grizzly bears when they were in aspen and brush thickets. Terrain a person couldn’t hardly crawl through a bear could run through at 35mph and slap your head off your shoulders like they were playing t ball.

[@assassinsjoker]

Seth Rogen did an episode on his podcast, where he talked to a family friend who survived a bear attack also. His was back in 2019!

[@davidbuben3262]

Well, this one for sure. But like Mavis said, the mountain men. That story about Hugh Glass is true. I read about him when I was a teen back in the 70s. Now famous because of the movie The Revenant.

[@storytimedavidcollins2897]

First Story When I was about four or five years old so early 1970’s I herd of a girl in her early 20’s that was a professional model doing a photo shoot up in Alaska out in the open on the ice when a polar bear came up over a like burm that was in the ice where it had pushed up from two like flat ice burgs had come together. She was mailed by the polar bear and ripped off both of her arms just below the shoulder. It was so cold that the blood was stopped by what was left of her arms freezing closed. She walked away from the seine of the attack with both her camera man/ boyfriend and the guide being killed by the bear. She walked several miles and got help and lived to tell the tail of a new and was one of the very first people to get prosodic arms. I heard about her story on the news at the time early 1970’s.

[@storytimedavidcollins2897]

Story two My Grandfather on my mom’s side was in WWI, Russel Rogers. Around the mid 1970’s he had survived to hart attacks that I knew of. He was missing a small folding two blade pocket knife

[@ZungaGal]

You are an amazing man. I am a quadriplegic from a drunk driver hitting me at 180 mph. I just learned to feed myself and to drive my own wheelchair. And for 14 years have done nothing. What a fool I have been. Your embracing your best life and I am in awe of you. Thank you for opening my eyes. Lisa

[@k1j2f30]

Good luck Lisa, you sound like a true survivor and....an absolute marvel yourself!!

[@krisrose219]

Lisa I think I would be like you were I in your shoes. I hope and pray you find some joy. Much love

[@brettbarton1911]

Your a badass

[@joanhenschel3511]

I'm with you all the way, Honey. I've been moping for the past couple of years, and this video has wacked me upside the head - woken me up to the reality that there is still a whole pile of good in this world. All the best for your endeavors xxx

[@susieturk1]

You my friend are amazing💛

[@RS54321]

"We will all have moments that bring us to our knees." This man's depth of character, wisdom, and insight are tremendously encouraging.

[@lachie4017]

It's not that deep of a saying bro

[@GodLovesYou1624]

Props to the guys who followed the dog. That’s true insight

[@jiggyjay682]

AN IQ of 70 could have figured that out.

[@davealaya]

Also the dog is top tier good boy.

[@chriz9959]

props to the dog. what a hero!

[@red-demigod]

​@@davealayashe a girl dog

[@SsMesh480]

Unmmm! Maybe just some 😅bear spray! 😮

[@nangel270]

Everything about this story is remarkable. The man, the dog, the fishermen responding to the dog, …just WOW.

[@chefgoldblum1450]

Sadly the dog is probably what provoked the attack. Never hike with a dog in bear country.

[@thenellierose]

@@chefgoldblum1450 Or maybe it was them unknowingly getting between the sow and her cubs, as he said.

[@midwestmatthew9752]

"I didn't realize I only had twelve hours left to see." That line chilled me to the bone. How quickly life can change forever.

[@zaheershah7119]

"The bigger my life gets, the smaller my disability gets." What a remarkably well lived life.

[@timwolf5742]

Wonderful words!

[@hiperson5986]

Just shows how loyal dogs really are. He wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for his dog not willing to let his best friend die.

[@annehedonia156]

I know! That was incredible that his dog went back to those fishermen to get help in dog language! Really powerful story.

[@huwhitecavebeast1972]

Dogs are better than people, hands down (or paws down, idk).

[@ratillecebrasquedubitantiu4451]

That's what we want in a best friend of any species. We would do the same for them.

[@steveadams7940]

I love dogs my family hates dogs want me yo get rid of my dog because my family is evil a dogs love is loyal and i have never met a human more loving and loyal than a dog truly a beloved best friend they are

[@steveadams7940]

@@huwhitecavebeast1972 i agree no human can show the tru unconditional love loyalty that a dog does ive yet to met them my family hates dogs i love dogs they are jealous of my dog but hes my love my loyal companion who will never leave your side dogs are truly a mans best friend humans today suck especially my family

[@rebeccaglover]

I was in third grade when this happened, about an hour and half from where I grew up. Awesome to see how you didn’t let the bear win and you went on to live a fulfilling life!

[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

An amazing, inspiring, and heroic story to be told and retold.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany do a law enforcement video

[@afoster1621]

"Win". I think this guys recovery and story is amazing but I think its important to remember this was just a wild bear trying to defend its offspring. That is all

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@afoster1621 true

[@boneculinator]

@@afoster1621 no, that is not all. that is insignificant to this guys recovery

[@UnfazedPhoenix]

There's really no words to express how strong he is. I'm just a stranger on the internet but this hit me right in the heart. What an amazing man.

[@daleneedham9064]

U ain't lying!!!

[@qwerty170xyz]

Props to Amber for sticking around and being a keeper

[@vice7965]

This women deserve oscarZ

[@benjaminjones4008]

Just shows you women aren’t as bad as we seem

[@dylonpress7034]

She's a damn good woman for sure

[@QuadraAce]

Good luck finding one of those today. Women 30 yrs ago were great, we're complaining about the modern ones tho.

[@omiethamsia9009]

@@QuadraAce go cry some more

[@kaymarham5486]

This guy is so very eloquent - a natural story teller.

[@baileyongonzalaz]

Flying out to meet a stranger just to inspire him with some hope and let him know that he's not alone was such solid thing to do by Lee. Sounds like an amazing man in his own right. 👍

[@bigpapisaunds]

Yeah that dudes action can’t be understated, Dan always had it within him, but he needed that initial spark of confidence and courage to demand of life what he wanted

[@tombryant9878]

Totally amazing!

[@lynngrace4174]

He’s a beautiful soul ❤

[@AutisticBearLover]

It made me cry tbh, it was so sweet.

[@WvlfDarkfire]

PTSD doesn't just affect veterans. It affects all of us whom have had the unfortunate opportunity to fight for our lives. The fact that he survived makes him a badass. The fact that he has the spirit to speak about it makes him a hero in my book. What an American!

[@ginb981]

Beautiful ❤️

[@philj8205]

PTSD can be brought upon by almost anything that is difficult. It all depends on the psychological profile of the victim. The only reason veterans are brought up so much is because very few people are capable of walking away from active combat without PTSD symptoms. I developed PTSD simply from spending two weeks in an American jail.

[@justinward-angelucci7207]

PTSD is a label that is given out too easily now. There are different types and categories of it. Lumping veteran and PTSD goes hand and hand now. Why? Bc claim it when it isn't true and puts a terrible light on it. I'm a combat vet and have been treated for it but its a constant battle.

[@benjomama1]

Americas home of the badass.

[@janebailey8032]

@@justinward-angelucci7207 I totally agree re: the PTSD label. I was in NYC on 9/11. At the time I had a new boyfriend who was NYPD and he called just as I was walking out the door headed straight for downtown and told me to stay home. Years later, while at the Dr. for insomnia, she diagnosed me with PTSD after answering a just a few questions. She then prescribed me some seriously strong meds I ended up throwing out. I told my Dr. she was wrong and I was sure I didn't have PTSD but she wouldn't hear it.

[@ReviewedByAndy]

“The more I engage in life, the bigger it gets.” Incredible perspective. Gotta remember to go out there and LIVE.

[@Brent-t2i]

Hey Brother I so happy that you made it through that horrible attack! I remember your attack. I was working part time at Boondocks Sporting goods in Eagle River in 2004 and a lady came in the store and I can't remember if she was your sister but I remember that she was close to you. I told her about my brown bear attack on Kodiak in 2000 and gave her my contact information a told her that if it would help you to talk to someone that had gone through what you had to please give me a call. Although I didn't hear from you I know from my own experience that it takes time to be able to do that when suffering from that kind of trauma. If you would like to hear about my attack you can watch it on the podcast "New World Old Soul" I am a retired Alaska Master Guide and now teach bear safety to Law Enforcement, schools, Churches and the general public here in North Idaho. I give the glory to God for my survival as there was no way that I should have survived that attack! Take care Brother, and God Bless!

[@cw4608]

This is the most articulate and vivid bear attack story I have ever heard. Yes as said by another commenter, you sir are a warrior.

[@k1j2f30]

And horrifying, too!

[@rillettesdumains2425]

I cried when he said what Maya the dog did for him. Dogs are amazing beings.

[@mzmartin8115]

I cried too. 22 years up there these stories really get to me

[@FraBra88]

They truly are. They deserve all the love.

[@Hearth123]

When I was 15, I encountered a bear on a private hiking trail my aunt owned. I had my just dog with me. She was a great Pyrenees Kelpie cross. I was frozen as that bear stared at me then started to stand up. My dog lunged at it and bit it in the face and I turned and ran. I ran faster than I ever had and I got my dad and a weapon, we went back for her and she trotted out of the woods completely uninjured and with a big grin on her face. I don't know what happened between her and that bear, but I assume she startled it so much that it ran off. She lived a long life, she was a wonderful dog and I often wonder what would have happened if I hadn't had her with me that day.

[@bunnybgood411]

He's alive today because of his dog. She was the one who ran and got the fishermen.

[@CaseyPeterson-cu5rm]

I did too 😢❤

[@shawnahitt1047]

He is a walking miracle. I love his positive outlook on life after going through this horrific injury.

[@robertagarvey9044]

I'm SO glad you made it, buddy! I worked on you for hours at Prov when they first brought you in to the ER that night. Bravo!

[@stevenghee654]

Bless you

[@kathybradbury]

Amazing what is possible with God.

[@staygold2563]

Liar

[@robertagarvey9044]

And who are you to call me a liar@@staygold2563 ?? I’m a surgical tech at Providence (retired now) and I was on call that night. That particular night changed my perception of “cute, cuddly “ bears forever. The damage inflicted by an angry bear will cause angst in all medical professionals, no matter how long you have been in the field.

[@therainman7777]

@@staygold2563Must be weird being such a rotten person.

[@Bangscrew41]

I haven’t cried like that in a while. You’ve been through hell and back and still cane out on top. God bless you

[@daybyday0731]

God was certainly with him. Thank the God

[@egyptcat4301]

What a man, and kudos to Amber for being true to her heart! These two are unstoppable! 💙💙💙

[@thiefonthecross7552]

So awesome

[@johnsullivan1713]

I was living in Cooper Landing that summer and I will never forget hearing about this incident! His resilience and spirit are truly inspiring!

[@c.mccarthy]

The way he describes the crossroads at 7:50 is exactly how my grandad described his near death experience when a huge metal beam was dropped from a crane onto his head- crushing his skull. He described it as he had to choose at the crossroads to stay living and suffer the pain or to die and experience numbness. He recalls being able to recognise the surgeons faces who worked on reconstructing his skull while he was unconscious as he said he felt himself leave his body and fight to get back inside it. Extremely interesting what the mind can do when under such trauma.

[@charlottekey8856]

So often people in near death experiences fight to keep from going back in the body. It's better in the non-physical realm. But some people have things to still do here.

[@jeffreya8329]

I went thru the same experience last night when i stubbed my toe

[@franjoikrloipatrik]

@@charlottekey8856 tupac died and came back to life 3 times before he was dead

[@jonathansage9063]

Most likely your grandfather was a liar

[@ba6561]

​@@jeffreya8329 hero 👊 ✊️

[@ginabeena6757]

Bears are so much scarier than you think. They are unbelievably stealthy and quiet, and ridiculously strong.

[@bovinityleak2066]

And FAST!

[@lachie4017]

I don't think anyone thinks coming across a bear isn't scary

[@Spoiledstoic]

What an inspiration man. You are the definition of a warrior and a fighter. You're children are very lucky to have you as their father.

[@relax2dream164]

What a survival story! From the dog running for help to fighting back to marriage to a family. Just wow!❤️

[@tomschumacher5434]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story! I have been stationed at Alaska for five years now and we have a saying in my squadron, “Alaska will kill you”. I have to remind myself not to get complacent while enjoying what Alaska has to offer. Living here is its own kinda beast, between the fluctuation of day light hours, the wildlife, and just its own economical challenges. This was very inspirational and a reminder.

[@calebstephenson200]

Yeah.."Alaska will kill you" if you haven't been ... go.. visit... enjoy... but be careful mother nature will fuck you up...

[@AKsusan907]

Well said..absolutely true!

[@VanessaJean87]

My little brother is on his way up there right now. If you run into SSG Apfel, tell him I said hey. 😂

[@claudiasteinwald8952]

You are an amazing man and you will touch more hearts than you will ever know. When you said your victory lap was when you "got the girl and you got the king", I was crying. God bless you and your family and thank you for sharing!!

[@TrentGustus]

This story makes all of our problems seem smaller. Courageous

[@meechibell9602]

Amazing story! When he said, "The bigger my life gets, the smaller my disability gets." That one line alone is so extremely inspiring. By the end I was teary eyed with goose bumps from hearing where his positive attitude & grit took him in life. Someone needs to make a movie about his life & the life he and Amber have created together.

[@oraprestegard2737]

Truly inspiring. The bigger life gets the smaller the disability gets. I love that line. So positive. Thank you for sharing. Glad you chose Life. A miracle for sure.

[@AndrewPorter10]

I was stationed at JBER and used to go to the Russian River all the time. There are bears everywhere. I am glad he fought back and is alive.

[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

We are too. This was ultimately the truest example of what it means to have a determined, warrior spirit.

[@mzmartin8115]

You never forget these stories

[@baxterscientific]

People complain today about the smallest things. You are a hero man. You beat the hardest thing to beat on planet earth. You beat your own doubt and made it happen.. Amber you are special woman..

[@marcelmarshall4240]

The mental and physical strength of this man is beyond anything imaginable. May the rest of his life be bliss.

[@cindikachnic2068]

You are such an inspiration to everyone, especially to us with disabilities. You are amazing, Your beautiful dog was amazing in your rescue, and Amber…. How I wish there were more women like you in this world. You did not turn away, you did not run away. You completely opened your heart to someone you knew was a good man despite any struggles that you two must of faced…. And you faced them together. It is absolutely horrible what happened and at the same time this is one of the most uplifting and beautiful stories I have ever heard. Thank you for sharing it with everyone. ❤

[@Only1forme75]

I need my very own Amber type. I can't get even my own son's mom to commit and can't get a date going on 4 yrs. I'm physically healthy but can't get a date when all I want is a loving, loyal committed woman just like this incredible man found with Amber. I'm not getting any younger either so time is wastin away.

[@acco5038]

@@Only1forme75 did u find a girl yet ?

[@michpratt1]

After hearing his description of the mauling and JUST the damage to his head, I cannot believe he survived this. Miracle. And he had amazing doctors and nurses! What an awesome survivor. I’m terrified of bears and the ocean.

[@justinjones5281]

Must be a multi millionaire. Dr strange money.

[@kristinrodgers7210]

You should be terrified. They are to be left alone yet dumb humans constantly go into their territory then are surprised when these things happen

[@phanorkner]

I know of at least one more in your tribe. Dr. Barrie Gilbert, one of my wildlife professors at Utah State University, survived a bear attack, but it took the left half of his face. He went on to become an incredible advocate for bears and bear research.

[@hellekimery9537]

The people who hate/ fear bears are rarely the ones who have gone through a near death experience at the hands of a bear. They are incredible and have spoken up about their understanding of bears just doing what nature taught them to do. It’s the same as blaming a shark for being a shark if you are bitten in the ocean. Yet we ( those in charge) feel that such an animal must be hunted down and killed! Why? We are in their home, visiting , that’s a risk we assume if we want to be in the wild!

[@jamierupert7563]

@@hellekimery9537 it makes me sick that they hunt down and kill these animals that "attack" when WE are in THEIR home. If we (us in the US at least) see or here someone in our home we try to kill or get rid of whatever is invading our home, why would we think another animal would do any different protecting their family and home?

[@hellekimery9537]

@@jamierupert7563 well exactly how I feel. That’s why I don’t buy the “ bear must be killed because after mauling a human, in its territory, it now has a taste for humans as prey”! BS, it’s us humans wanting our pound of flesh, we MUST win, we must be in charge, we must be top predators , even though we think it’s completly ok to hunt and kill any animals we like, and invade the little natural habitat they have left! It makes me sick! We used to do the same thing to whales, then we realized many were becoming extinct so now we have rules, rules that only certain countries follow ! Then it was sharks, ( still is), because if we want to swim and surf in their home, a human may be hurt or killed, so the idea was to kill as many sharks as possible! Then ooops, we suddenly realized that sharks are very very important for the oceans balance, so now we try to learn, a little late,because they are still killed by the thousands for their fins, so some rich Asian can have his soul. In the US and Canada bears used to be plentiful, the native people lived for hundreds of years in balance with bears and other predators, till the the “ white man” decided they needed to kill as many bears as possible! It’s history repeating itself over and over and over again and it drives me nuts! You are Absolutly right, we’d never put up with someone threatening our home, family, or children, but bears behave like bears? Well let’s kill them for that, because we ( humans) feel we have a right to do whatever we want, when we want, and when it goes wrong - we’ll we just kill the animal’s that are just defending what’s theirs….it’s heartbreaking because, that’s just not the solution to the problem! If hunters and hikers insist on going deep into bear country, they should accept the risks involved!

[@thejdogcool]

@@jamierupert7563 Man is a part of nature too. It is our home as much as it is any animals'. Moreover, the concept of land rights doesn't apply to animals anyway. You're just being sentimental.

[@crowjones78]

@@jamierupert7563 you’re a goof… we have as much right to be there as them. When are you donating your house?

[@k9insomniac783]

I don’t know if I’m more impressed by the sheer determination this guy has to live and not be defined by the attack, or saddened because I truly don’t know that my will to achieve what he has if faced with what he went through would even come close. My hat is off to you sir.

[@bobnunyabiznz4917]

I know for a fact that I would have chosen to die. I don’t have near the passion or badassery that he does. He’s a special individual.

[@waynechappell3263]

My face is so wet from fallen tears as I ponder the same thing.Would I have what it takes to persevere? I pray that I would.This man and his story is so heartbreaking and inspiring…..I am so happy that he is enjoying his best life! GOD BLESS!!!!! 🤠🙏🦅☀️❤️

[@lesilmcguire4690]

Dan and Amber. Lesil here. I watch this a couple times a year to remind myself how strong the two of you are. You are both an absolute gift to Alaska and the world. Thank you for bravely sharing your story and deciding to live ❤ love always. Please consider sharing a link to your incredible book here and how people can buy it.

[@joshmccarty8586]

I teared up a bit when he's telling the part where he saw his mother and chose to fight to stay alive. It's wild that he survived..

[@RS54321]

I teared up too. It's truly a miracle he survived that. Shows how strong the human spirit is.

[@sheldongreene8366]

@@RS54321The indomitable human spirit is one of the greatest treasures we humans innately possess.

[@kingmajin]

me too. my first thought? that even through all the chaos...when a mother's love is shown; there's nothing that can't be done, even if it's just the image of the loving mother in your own brain.

[@AutisticBearLover]

Me too I actually cried😭

[@j.michaelepstein8958]

I had just traveled up from Kodiak and was there during the evening of the attack. The horror of what that young man went through has stayed with me.

[@bigredone9917]

This man has balls of steel. Great story.

[@justjudy7320]

A friend of mine was one of the first hikers / fisherman to Aid this beloved man. I often wondered what happened to him and actually Googled him a few years after the attack. No doubt my friend and those others around have memories that they'll not soon forget. Hugs and admiration

[@normabarrigan6377]

This story made me cry "I listen to a lot of bear stories but this one was no 1 in breaking my heart. You are a good man

[@Groaznic]

Sir, your lady is a pure unit made out of the highest grade unobtanium. 10/10 to her no joke for coming back.

[@marshalllemasters7703]

So much respect for this man. Going through something so traumatic and life altering and not succumbing to it but genuinely growing and turning a negative into a beautiful life is not easy. He had to fight his fucking ass off and I respect the hell out of him for it

[@nirvana613]

This man is a true inspiration. When he talked about the man that had suffered the same fate as him flying out to meet him and give him hope I couldn't help but draw parallels. When I was battling leukemia three years ago I had two people that I spoke to that had suffered the same illness. To hear them speak and show me that survival was possible was the strongest support I had in the entire process. Anytime I felt like my time was up I thought about them and how there's always a chance if you never give up. I don't rightfully know where I stand on religion and the existence of God but if there ever were angels on this earth it's those people. Bless you all for what you do and best of health to you and your families !

[@mello3214]

And I pray God richly blesses you too ! I’ve been there and done that too! Every time I was knocked to my knees , God is always been there to pick me up, even when I felt I nobody his spirit in me has made me stronger 🙏👍

[@nyarkasewe2363]

You are blessed! May you continue to live your best life😊

[@randallmorse1263]

Man, what a story! Fine example of fortitude and strength.

[@Naturegirl1976]

This guy has 1 hell of a strong will to survive a vicious bear attack. You're such an inspiration and a positive reminder to us all to never give up

[@stevenboyd593]

A tremendous story. Thank you for sharing it. So thankful that you have fared so well, and that God has blessed you and your family. Shalom in Him

[@J-Rod91]

7:55 WOAH THAT IS INSANE! Think about it......... He was attacked by a momma bear protecting her cubs! As he was laying there considering “giving up” a memory of HIS MOM gave him that necessary push to keep going! MOMS, human or animal, are actually not much different, in the areas that matter! Beautiful realization! 😁

[@tammyfoster6223]

That was deep

[@1SALADLOVER]

Gd 1 XO

[@jakenash8362]

Women are supernatural beings. Moms are the best. Make babies ladies, it's badass. My children are the best part of my life, and a woman gave that to me.

[@paschallhouston]

Wow what a story and happy he was able to move on after the attack. I need a Amber in my life! She stood by his side when things were bad, much respect to her!

[@pnwadventurer9674]

He’s blind…. Has a heart of gold and isn’t afraid to be super compassionate in explaining his mind, this is an amazing man and a rarity! Love it when people surprise us like this! I think we all need to be a lil blind at times to really waken up again and be in real touch with our thoughts and Senses

[@Kyler_ford_808]

This brought more emotion that I thought was possible hearing your story. Truly amazing man with an amazing story!

[@coletteroyer5353]

This story is horrifying. I can’t believe he survived. Truly one of the strongest people alive.

[@louwill9858]

Imva black man from the city of Detroit & I wouldn't wish this on any human being! You sir are the epitome of strength

[@cw4608]

Sir - Please be safe in Detroit. I went through 20 years ago and it was a bit unsettling to see so many barred windows and high security fences in residential areas. I was from Montana, Detroit was like nothing I had ever seen. You possess strength as well.

[@louwill9858]

@@cw4608 lmao yes Sir

[@solace4114]

What does being black and detriot have to do with anything? Lol i swear some black people need to chill.People who go into wilderness put their life on the line and if you dont come prepared for the boogeyman then its almost a suicide mission. Even if you got a gun your in enemy territory . I went hiking in newfoundland and was told it wasnt a long hike.. we were the only ones in the trail it was about 2 hours to a beach in woods and down a cliff and back up. We found a dead moose carcus and at that point i was worried and told myself never again hiking un prepped for attacks. Oh yah to add newfoundland have had polar bears due to ice bergs floating their .. they get trapped on the ice bergs . Its common…it was a beautiful hike but risky

[@nowirehangers2815]

In a white woman from Kansas Who CARES??

[@lilithowl]

​@@nowirehangers2815nobody does, when it's you

[@TheBackroadskid]

That was intense and wildly inspiring, knowing how he fought!

[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

We are glad he came out of this attack with his life. Wildly inspiring, indeed.

[@officerderekchauvin3306]

@@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany Kyle Rittenhouse is NOT guilty, Evan Hafer is a beta male. Cope

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany wildland firefighting stories please

[@rfpnc]

Thank you, Dan Bigley, for sharing your story and your journey. I know it sounds trite, but you are an inspiration. Thank you, BRCC.

[@earthtochelsea_]

My god. What a harrowing account. But such a hopeful one at the same time. This man is so well spoken and an incredible story teller. Very inspiring. What a strong and resilient man. And Amber. What an absolute angel. ❤

[@followmyuniverse5155]

Teared up hearing your happy results of catching the fish and winning Amber's heart after all that you went through. The bear didn't take your life, and you have strength that pulls you through even what seems impossible.

[@leo-zl3iu]

Beautifully said

[@anthonycobbs8000]

So grateful to have heard this story, life has been kicking my ass lately and this has shown me just how strong the human spirit can be. What I’m going through is baby food to this tragedy, if he can battle through this and have and find happiness anything is possible. God bless this man and his family.

[@bagramdave883]

Any thorny, I’m inspired that this story gives you strength. I want to convey something Monica Lewinsky said in a speech years ago..(likely a quote she heard rather than made up). She said “ You can drown in 10 feet of water or 3 inches of water…”. Comparing your struggle to ANYONE else is meaningless, but I understand what you meant by saying “baby food”, but want you to know pain is pain. Good luck as you heal yourself.

[@kaka3661able]

Stay strong and keep fighting brother

[@AnnaPxx]

I have no words. There is nothing which can describe how amazing this man is and how his story makes me feel. Thank you so much for sharing your ordeal and your journey with us 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@brendaatkins2450]

As he said that his dog went for help, this just made me feel so emotional, especially as he spoke about his mom, he has such a very beautiful, blessed n strong soul n will. I pray for God to be him n his family throughout their blessed lives.

[@fishingwcp]

Very inspirational guy, his voice is very calming. Amazing how good his face actually looks after recovery and so lucky to not have had brain damage as well…great story keep living man

[@Mattman2500]

These stories will never get old . Get them coming!!!

[@donfabius2057]

"The bigger my life gets the smaller my disability gets". -You are an inspiration sir.

[@briansullivan3603]

Excellent story of survival and true grit. Mad respect for this man.

[@Wakk69]

My heart truly goes out to you. Your bravery is quite amazing. Glad you’re still with us.

[@enocquezado8550]

You are not only a great man with a great story. You are a true poet!

[@BravoNine69]

Perfect embodiment of having the will to live. God bless you sir. Your an inspiration

[@brassbear4234]

Thank you Black Rifle. Each one of these videos reminds me to not waste a moment of this precious life.

[@dawood121derful]

I love the way he articulates his experience, he’s so true and honest about his situation and disposition. I also like his music.

[@blackcurrantpop]

Truly amazing how he pulled through with his optimistic outlook and appreciation of life. Glad to hear you are living the best way each day.

[@taylorlowe5155]

What an incredible story... I have no words. Thanks for sharing such hope. Two people who have shown what life is really about. Unbelievable.

[@donnakearse2503]

Amazing story and so elequently told. Real hero this guy. Fight on.

[@thetrueamericanindian2885]

Wow this guy is a true soldier and inspiration!!Amber is a hell of a lady too.You know the man that came to visit him is a hero and a remarkable human being,he must of thought of his own feelings at the moment he was attacked and said I have to go talk this guy.This story gave me something to hold on to because I have had tremendous loss too and now I know it's going to be okay and I can successfully move on without bitterness.

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

I Am Praying For You & GOD Is Wrapping His Arm's Around You Right Now.I Pray For Our Heavenly Father To Shower You With His Blessings'!!!! Many PRayersNLuv 👼👼✝️✝️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🌹🌹💝💝🌌🌠

[@Pingaheimer]

I've been following his story for years and i read his book, it's wonderful and highly recommended. Thanks for this great update.

[@tammyfoster6223]

What is the book?

[@Pingaheimer]

​@@tammyfoster6223 Beyond The Bear

[@Shine-wb6ll]

@@Pingaheimer but how did he managed to stop the attack ? Cause in the video, it doesn't tell you why did the bear left and didn't continue the attack ? Cause from the other accounts of bear attacks, usually bears would continue to maul you till you die and it'll consume you, sometimes would even bury you to consume later

[@N0PDialatedEye]

@@Shine-wb6ll the bear wasn’t attacking because it was hungry, it was protecting its cubs. Most of the time when bears kill and eat people, they are doing it for food

[@stuartj1234]

And doggo runs to find help.............truely mans best friend. Good for you Dan your a very strong guy..............also a pretty good singer dude. May your wonderful life continue to reward you.

[@Karmazov]

What a strong and inspiring man. What he went through is unimaginable and he handled it with strength and humility. Hats off to you sir.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

That is one tough dude to survive and push through. Not to be cliche, but I knew he was gonna get the girl in the end :) stoked for him and his success turning his situation into a positive and inspiring one.

[@jesseolson9879]

I noticed his friend carries a gun now. I never wanted to wait for an attack to carry. When I hike or go fishing I'm armed and so are the 2 friends I always go with. I've had people actually give us a hard time about it. Well this won't happen to us its a slim chance but we like to keep it damn near impossible.

[@burkeballistics685]

You got me sitting here at the job all teary eyed. Wow.

[@AutisticBearLover]

Sir, I wanna say you are amazing. I’m so happy you’re here to tell us this story. I myself am a *huge* lover of bears, and I love to hear survivor’s stories. I wish you well💗 This is one of the only few bear survivor stories that got me to cry, hearing you choosing to fight for life and seeing your mom just hit me in the heart😭

[@wildwildItaly]

This is really a shocking experience , my heart actually started racing watching this. How he got out of it alive is unbelievable. ❤

[@GL-no9bb]

Oh my goodness, what an inspiration you are, you have absolutely made more out of your life than a lot of people that have never been through a trauma like you have! What an awesome outlook you have on life. You are truly living your best life and have inspired many other people! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@cooleyfitness13]

As a person with a disability this is amazing to watch. I love these videos. Good job black rifle company! ❤️

[@missmee7210]

You are incredible. What a journey. I'm so happy you found your way through what probably seemed like an impossible situation. You are truly beautiful.

[@lisahughes3207]

OMG..I'm so sorry you went through that. Thanks for sharing your story, your strength is admirable. All the best 😀

[@akathecops]

Thank you for standing tall. You inspire us all.

[@angelodomingo2818]

Ive taken alot for granted. I wish to say thank you to this man for truly living. People amaze me!

[@58Kym]

The most important part of the story to me is when he talks about what part of the journey to recover his life was his to decide and how bitterness engenders bitterness and enabling that angry resentment or allowing it a home in your world, even more than the injury, will destroy your life. I still struggle with starving out bitterness and ejecting it from MY world. I still endeavour to find laughter, joy and happiness amongst the remains of my former life but I do it in the knowledge that if I don’t, my life will only become less, not more. It’s a day by day thing, or week by week but when you begin sometimes it’s an hour by hour or even minute by minute. It’s really worth it though to discard the anger and gather the good moments.

[@ronyalemerrill]

Literally my worst nightmare. God bless him. I would have waved goodbye and left this rock quickly.

[@SavannahSteel]

I didn’t even know how much I needed to hear that. The fact that you were able to overcome this and still see everything in such a calm, positive light is something I can only dream of feeling myself. There have been many moments in my lifetime that I’ve been brought down to my knees, and I’m going through one right now. You don’t even know how much your untouched outlook on life has changed me. I hope someday I can put my own bitterness behind me, remember why I chose to continue this life, even after everything that’s happened. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. For the perspective, for sharing your story, and for reminding me that I’m not just living for me, I’m living for him too.

[@couz10]

That man is a beast himself for surviving this ordeal. Hope the remainder of his life is blessed with good stuff.

[@33sosa85]

Love the voice and the singing. Man expresses his heart

[@jeffallen1342]

Dang... why you got to go and make my eyes tear up for? Now I got to go back to work after my lunch hour all red eyed. Totally worth it though. Thank you. This story will be on my mind for some time.

[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

It is definitely one you won't soon forget.

[@markymarkpowpow]

wow, talk about not having words to express the feelings after listening and watching this "crazy" story. Dan Bigley is one strong person, spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally! Thank you for sharing.

[@justicewillprevail1106]

What a courageous man. He's accomplished more than many men who have sights. Very inspiring.

[@nanateetee4029]

He has such a likeable attitude about everything. I’m so happy he and Amber had a happily ever after story 🥰