According to Outdoor Life, earlier in September while on a deer hunt, it turned quickly into a backcountry emergency when a man was mauled by a grizzly bear south of Big Sky, Montana. While helping track an archery deer down, Rudy Noorlander, 61, a Navy Veteran, was in the Custer Gallatin National forest following trails he knew very well when the man encountered two grizzlies. 

Noorlander first spotted the younger of the two and was drawing his side firearm when what he described as a 10 foot mega-grizzly pounced before the man could do anything. Noorlander tried to shoot the bear, however instead his gun misfired and as the grizzly was already on him had no time to play dead. Instead, with adrenaline pumping he punched the large bear in the nose. The grizzly continued to attack the man, ripping off his lower jaw and part of the trachea, scratching his chest open while biting a bicep and leg. Then the man continued fighting through it all and screaming, in which fellow members of the party heard the struggle.

In fear they would hit the man while aiming for the bear, the fellow hunters threw rocks at the grizzly while calling for emergency responders. Thankfully the actions worked, Noorlander survived, however now is healing from multiple major reconstruction surgeries. For example, his fibula from one leg was used to reconstruct his jaw. 

A wild story of human survival, but one that needs to be shared with anyone heading into the backcountry. Hunting, hiking or seeking enjoyment; grizzly attacks have been on the rise. Know and understand what to do as well as before heading into the wilderness check with local wildlife officials of recent sightings. 

The Prairie Crocus – I have followed the author, photographer Richelle Barrett from northern Montana. Ranch life, motherhood, and life lessons from the prairie have inspired her to write poems, notes of love, and essays. Sharing a world through another’s eyes, bringing back into focus that all of our trials, tribulations, and celebrations are part of our journey. 

Richelle Barrett has a way with words that speak to the heart, take a listen of her essay “Find The Joy” in this episode and see if this doesn’t resonate with you.

Beautiful words we all need to hear from time to time. The Prairie Crocus, Richelle Barrett, we are happy to say has joined our crew. Look forward to hearing her words in the coming weeks. If you are already looking for that perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, she has her latest book out now “Anthology” as well as a calendar for 2024 on sale now at Prairie-Crocus.com. Be sure to follow her on Facebook as over 25,000 followers do daily.