In the Jaws of Polar Bears: Surviving Arctic's Apex Predator | E 157

In the Jaws of Polar Bears: Surviving Arctic's Apex Predator | E 157

In this episode of The Crux, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delve into the terrifying encounters between humans and polar bears. The episode recounts the harrowing survival stories of individuals like Matt Dyer and Elijah Carner, who faced life-threatening polar bear attacks in remote Arctic regions. The hosts discuss the increasing frequency of such encounters due to climate change, which causes bears to move closer to human territories. They also explore the biology of polar bears, the environments where attacks typically occur, and the essential survival tactics and safety measures required when traveling in polar bear regions. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and the evolving strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in an ever-changing Arctic landscape.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:35 Polar Bear Encounters: A Growing Concern
02:07 Understanding Polar Bears and Their Habitat
08:13 Matt Dyer's Harrowing Survival Story
25:05 Elijah Carner's Close Call
29:09 A Tragic Incident in Wales, Alaska
29:49 First Fatal Polar Bear Attack in 30 Years
31:08 Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bear Behavior
31:42 Recent Polar Bear Attacks and Their Implications
32:47 Survival Factors in Polar Bear Attacks
38:15 Psychological Impact of Surviving a Polar Bear Attack
41:49 Notable Polar Bear Incidents
45:44 Practical Advice for Polar Bear Encounters
53:18 Community Efforts to Reduce Polar Bear Conflicts
54:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

References

Arctic Today. (2021, August 18). Polar bear attack survivor played dead to save his life. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-attack-survivor-played-dead-to-save-his-life-1.1389918

BBC News. (2020, August 28). Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard islands. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53945950

BBC News. (2023, January 20). Alaska polar bear attack: Mother and son killed while walking in Wales. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq20qd59yyo

Dyer, M. (2017, March 24). I survived a polar bear attack. Backpacker. https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/i-survived-a-polar-bear-attack/

Lester, K. (2014, July 28). A year after surviving polar bear attack, he is mellowed, undaunted, and ready to hike again. Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2014/07/28/a-year-after-surviving-polar-bear-attack-he-is-mellowed-undaunted-and-ready-to-hike-again/

Hopper, T. (2021, August 18). Nunavut man who survived polar bear attack recounts experience. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/polar-bear-attack-survivor-1.6142932

Hymas, D. (2015, January). The man who survived a polar bear attack. Sierra. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-1-january-february/feature/man-who-survived-polar-bear-attack

Pappas, S. (2023, January 18). Polar bear attacks and kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/polar-bear-attack-alaska

Polar Bears International. (n.d.). Polar bear attacks: Causes & prevention. https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention

Slisco, A. (2014, July 26). Maine man survives polar bear attack. WMTW. https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-survives-polar-bear-attack/1996996

Welz, A. (2017, July 12). Polar bear attacks on people set to rise as climate changes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2140701-polar-bear-attacks-on-people-set-to-rise-as-climate-changes/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Polar bear. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jaksot(195)

The Butte Mining Incident of 1917 | E66

The Butte Mining Incident of 1917 | E66

The Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Disaster of June 8, 1917 is one of the most momentous events in US mining history. In the depths of Butte, Montana's copper mine, tragedy unfolded that day as a fiery inferno engulfed the tunnels and filled them with searing smoke. The miners had been toiling away at full production to support America in World War I and were pushing for better working conditions. Little did they know that their efforts would be in vain, as 168 of them died that day due to suffocation from the fire consuming their oxygen supply. It was a devastating blow to Butte, Montana and the nation and stands today as one of the worst underground hard rock mining disasters in US history. Mining will never be the same. A hundred years have passed since that fateful day, but its memory still lingers in Butte, and its legacy lives on as a reminder of the danger and sacrifice of mining. The Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Disaster forever stands as a testament to those brave miners who gave their lives in service to their nation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Heinä 202340min

Wolf Wagner & Johannes Hoentsch: Canoe Trip in Remote Canada gone Wrong | E65

Wolf Wagner & Johannes Hoentsch: Canoe Trip in Remote Canada gone Wrong | E65

Wolf Wagner (25) and Johannes Hoentsch (26) had no idea what they were in for when they set out into the Canadian wilderness via canoe mid July 2017. Armed with a few maps, gps device, supplies, and their canoe, Wagner and Hoentsch navigated their way through the beautiful, but often treacherous northern Manitoba waters.   As they made their way downstream, the stunning Canadian landscape unfolded before them - crystal blue lakes, vast marshlands, and thick forests filled with wildlife.   But this idyllic adventure soon took a dangerous turn when they realized the river was not as easy to navigate as they once thought. They entered some rapids and their canoe hit a large rock and was shattered beyond repair. With no way to continue on their journey, the two men had to rely on their own ingenuity and skill for self-rescue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Heinä 202323min

Steve Callahan; 76 Days Lost at Sea | E64

Steve Callahan; 76 Days Lost at Sea | E64

Steven Callahan's incredible story of survival against all odds is inspiring. In 1981, he was left adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for a harrowing 76 days after his sailing vessel sunk during a storm. With nothing but ingenuity and perseverance, he managed to survive on the open sea with minimal resources.   Despite facing incredible difficulties such as intense storms, lack of food, and dehydration, Callahan was able to stay afloat and document his journey. His memoir, Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea, became a best-selling book in which he tells the story of his remarkable struggle for survival against all odds.   Callahan has also been awarded three U.S. patents for inventions related to boats and navigation. His inventive spirit and his ability to overcome adversity inspired many people around the world. Steven Callahan is an example of resilience, strength, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds.   Simply put, his story is a true testament to the power of human will and perseverance; an amazing tale that serves as an inspiration for us all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10 Heinä 202332min

Sydnie Uemoto & David McMahon: Open Water Swim Following a Plane Crash | E63

Sydnie Uemoto & David McMahon: Open Water Swim Following a Plane Crash | E63

Pilots Syndie and David never expected their flight between Oahu and the Big Island to take a frightening turn. On July 15, 2016, both engines of their plane went out, leaving them with only minutes before impact into the ocean. Little did they know what would lie ahead: an epic 21-hour swim towards shore after a plane crash with temperatures below 70F.   The journey was filled with unexpected obstacles. A deflated life vest left David struggling for hours, and encounters with jellyfish and a swim-by from a shark further tested their will and determination. But the thoughts of family and friends back home kept them going during this difficult journey.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3 Heinä 202323min

Disaster on Mount Hood; In the Blink of an Eye a Massive Accident Takes out Multiple Climbers | E62

Disaster on Mount Hood; In the Blink of an Eye a Massive Accident Takes out Multiple Climbers | E62

On Thursday, May 30th 2002, a tragedy unfolded atop the majestic Mount Hood in Oregon. Three climbers were killed and four injured when they fell into the Bergschrund crevasse in an 800-foot drop from the summit of Mount Hood. The climbing accident was made worse by a dramatic crash-and-roll of a USAF Pavehawk rescue helicopter from the 304th RQS, which had suddenly lost lift. The Mount Hood Tragedy of 2002 will not soon be forgotten by the Oregon mountaineering community, and serves as a somber reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly disaster can strike. Check out the live footage of the helicopter crash! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjDpVU8qWWc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 Kesä 202327min

Laurent Camprubi: His Sailboat Capsized Leaving him Trapped in an Air Bubble | E61

Laurent Camprubi: His Sailboat Capsized Leaving him Trapped in an Air Bubble | E61

Laurent Camprubi had been sailing for almost two decades, but nothing could have prepared him for the situation he found himself in. One minute he was attempting to qualify for the prestigious Route de Rhum race - a fiercely competitive 4,077 mile sailing competition - and the next his sailboat had capsized in rough waters.   He managed to stabilize his body within an air bubble at the bottom of his cabin. With no way out and only his wits and limited supplies, Laurent knew that if he wanted to survive this ordeal, he'd need every ounce of courage within him.   The ocean around him seemed determined to keep Laurent from ever competing again; waves crashed against the boat like they were trying their best to sink it further into their depths. But somehow Laurent held on as time passed by slowly yet steadily—every hour feeling like an eternity until something unexpected happened: a knock on the side of the overturned boat. It was then when hope truly ignited in Laurent's heart - maybe there still was a chance after all! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Kesä 202322min

Adrian Knopps: Alone for Seven Days in Misty Fjords AK after a Tragic Accident | E60

Adrian Knopps: Alone for Seven Days in Misty Fjords AK after a Tragic Accident | E60

Adrian and Garrett set out to explore Misty Fjords National Park on September 14, 2013, full of hope and enthusiasm for the adventure that lay ahead. Little did Adrian know that the journey would prove to be the biggest test of his strength and courage. The two were not aware that it would be their last hunting trip together. After a tragic accident, Adrian found himself alone, stranded on a sand bar with rising tides, facing down nature at its most fierce and unforgiving. With no means of communication, he had to rely solely on his own knowledge and his will to tell Garrett's family what happened to him to survive. For seven long days, Adrian battled against extreme temperatures and a hostile environment in a desperate attempt to await rescue.   Also, sorry guys, I was having problems with my recording devise and was not able to add any music to this episode. Hopefully next time. Hope you have a great week and thank you SO much for supporting us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12 Kesä 202326min

Matt Henningsen: Successful Bear Hunt to an Unexpected Medical Emergency | E59

Matt Henningsen: Successful Bear Hunt to an Unexpected Medical Emergency | E59

Working as a big game hunting guide in Alaska’s remote wilderness is an amazing but dangerous job. As Matt Henningsen, a former guide for Alaska Trophy Safaris, knows first-hand, it can come with some unforeseen risks. During his time as a guide, while leading a bear hunt, Matt experienced an unexpected medical emergency that threatened to take his arm or even his life. Listen in as Matt Henningsen, Julie's husband tells his story in his own words. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5 Kesä 202347min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
kolme-kaannekohtaa
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
aikalisa
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
sita
i-dont-like-mondays
poks
kaksi-aitia
antin-palautepalvelu
joku-tietaa-jotain-2
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
meidan-pitais-puhua
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
loukussa
terapeuttiville-qa
lahko
kummitusjuttuja