Attacked by Bear, Woman Plays Dead to Survive
- 10 years ago
25-year-old Jessica Gamboa was attacked by a brown bear on May 18th on a remote road at a military base in Anchorage. She survived by playing dead.
What would you do when attacked by a bear?
25-year-old Jessica Gamboa was attacked by a brown bear on May 18th on a remote road at a military base in Anchorage. Growing up, she was always told that in the event of a bear mauling, the best thing to do is play dead.
Fortunately she followed that advice during her own encounter. Gamboa, who is married to a solider assigned at the military base, had gone out for a jog with her spouse. At some point, the two separated.
Approximately 20 minutes into her run, Gamboa spotted a cub on the side of the road. Almost immediately, she saw the mother bear running towards her with another cub in tow.
In the blink of an eye, the older bear went after her. Gamboa recalls being knocked to the ground and carried to the side of the street.
The mother bear placed Gamboa on an embankment and pummeled her. After a pause, the animal attacked yet again. All the while Gamboa lay on the ground curled up. She didn’t utter a sound or move.
Once the bear was satisfied she was dead, it took off. Gamboa was so badly beaten, she could barely move but she mustered enough strength to walk down the road, hoping to find help.
Luckily another solider traveling in a vehicle picked Gamboa up and transported her to the hospital. She has since been released and is recovering.
What would you do when attacked by a bear?
25-year-old Jessica Gamboa was attacked by a brown bear on May 18th on a remote road at a military base in Anchorage. Growing up, she was always told that in the event of a bear mauling, the best thing to do is play dead.
Fortunately she followed that advice during her own encounter. Gamboa, who is married to a solider assigned at the military base, had gone out for a jog with her spouse. At some point, the two separated.
Approximately 20 minutes into her run, Gamboa spotted a cub on the side of the road. Almost immediately, she saw the mother bear running towards her with another cub in tow.
In the blink of an eye, the older bear went after her. Gamboa recalls being knocked to the ground and carried to the side of the street.
The mother bear placed Gamboa on an embankment and pummeled her. After a pause, the animal attacked yet again. All the while Gamboa lay on the ground curled up. She didn’t utter a sound or move.
Once the bear was satisfied she was dead, it took off. Gamboa was so badly beaten, she could barely move but she mustered enough strength to walk down the road, hoping to find help.
Luckily another solider traveling in a vehicle picked Gamboa up and transported her to the hospital. She has since been released and is recovering.