Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack

by Jeremy Evans, Jeremy Evans (Primary Contributor)

An inspiring true-life survival story set in the remote backcountry of the Canadian Rockies. In August 2017, 32-year-old Jeremy Evans endured multiple ferocious attacks by a protective female grizzly bear while hunting in the Alberta wilderness. Jeremy’s injuries were massive, his scalp and face destroyed, an eye and his jaw dangling down. The tendons on one leg had been fully severed during the mauling. His hands were damaged where he had physically fought the bear. It was more than a dozen kilometres to where he had parked his truck in darkness early that morning and absolutely no one was near. Thoughts of his wife and their eight-month-old daughter consumed Jeremy as he stumbled and crawled for hours back to his truck, before driving himself several kilometres to a backcountry lodge for help. All the while, Jeremy thought of his young family and the upcoming sixth wedding anniversary that he feared he might never be able to celebrate. Mauled carefully details what happened deep in an Alberta forest where few modern humans tread. Jeremy’s miraculous recovery and life lessons learned when so close to death show that human determination can defy the greatest of odds, and that setting small goals along the road to recovery can lead to remarkable achievements. Despite the traumatic stress the encounter produced, Jeremy holds no animosity toward the bear and still enjoys spending time in the backcountry. To him the grizzly was doing what the best parents protect their young.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Survival, Nature, Memoir, Adult

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Emma Blanchet · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating is absolutely not a reflection of Jeremy's ordeal. I have listened to a few podcasts where Jeremy has spoken about his ordeal and it's absolutely riveting and one of the wildest stories I've ever heard. This book, however, was not. There was essentially one chapter about the bear attack and the rest seemed to be entire chapters that read like a medical journal which was like Greek to me, and I assume the average person. It also felt disjointed and not cohesive at all. Highly recommend seeking out a podcast about his ordeal and listening to it instead.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️

Absolutely incredible story of survival. Even learned some valuable lessons about living life to the fullest, and never taking it for granted. Still can’t believe this mauling happened so close to Calgary. Definitely worth a read!

[Dave Morin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended and lent to me by an uncle on the basis of my affinity to the Rockies, I read this true-story encounter of a hunter and a bear that I otherwise would not have taken a second glance at.

As a read, I found the narrative totally jarring as it changed between perspectives and across time.
This falls squarely into the "books that could have been an interesting 5-page article" category. Completely unenjoyable as a read, redeemed only for the idea that this was a true story who happened to someone who's likely 2 degrees of connection from me.

Even as a survival story, I found it hard to discern whether this was Touching the Void-level of survivability, or something less dramatic. It was hard to reconcile the descriptions of damaged legs with the ability to walk 12km over multiple hours. Additionally, the admission of inaccessibility of bear-spray, the lack of preparedness, and the seeming mindset of disregard to the possibility of a bear encounter don't favor positively.

I appreciated the protagonist's ability to maintain a positive perspective towards the attacking bear, and am impressed with the survival story enough to avoid a 1-star review, but not enough to recommend this is as a book worth reading.

(Shout-out to Duncan Nickerson, the surgeon who operated on the narrator, who also repaired my right hand, thus saving me from a non-piano playing alternate universe I want no part of)

[Nikki M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Calgary man’s story of survival is phenomenal. My jaw was on the floor listening to the play by play of his bear mauling experience.
This story will remind you of the importance of bear safety and the resilience of man’s will to live.
My university professors bear attack is also mentioned at the end of the novel. I will remember David Lertzman for the weekend I spent at his leadership summit in Kananaskis through CCAL program.

[Steve Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible true story of Jeremy Evans' grizzly bear attack and survival. Hunting alone in a very remote area of Alberta, he was attacked by a mother grizzly bear protecting her young cub. Three separate attacks occurred. Jeremy fought back and managed to chase the bear away. But he was severely injured - basically his face was eaten and he suffered severe leg and hand trama fighting the bear. Miraculously, he managed to field dress his wounds and basically crawl to a hunting lodge 14 kilometers away. After a month in the hospital, he has essentially fully recovered and is back to hunting and fishing. Incredible story of resilence and determination, only rivaled in my reading by Joe Simpson from Touching The Void. Truly remarkable story and a quick read. The podcast is also excellent and essentially tells the same story in an even more condensed manner. Very graphic though - not for everyone

[MidnightMurdersJenn Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars – Gripping, Graphic, and Eye-Opening
Mauled is an intense and unforgettable read. The story of a brutal grizzly bear attack and the survivor’s journey is not only harrowing, but full of lessons that stick with you long after the last page. The photos included are hardcore and really drive home the reality of what happened—this isn’t just a survival story, it’s a visceral reminder of the power of nature.

Having had a couple close encounters with grizzlies in Alaska myself, this hit close to home. The narrative made me reflect deeply on my own preparedness and awareness, especially when fishing or hiking alone. After reading this, I’ll definitely be more conscientious about how I pack, where I go, and how I move in bear country.

It didn’t quite hit a full five stars for me, maybe due to a few parts where the pacing felt uneven—but overall, this is a powerful and important book for anyone who spends time in the wild. Highly recommended.

[Mesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ran out of reading material while at the airport and grabbed this on a whim. Turns out it's a pretty incredible story with some valuable lessons in preparedness. A worthwhile read for any outdoor lover.

[Phil K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love survival stories. This was just incredible. I love hiking and experiencing amazing vistas after a strenuous hike but there is always a little part of me that is wary of a bear encounter. Jeremy's story is a true testament to the human spirit.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What Jeremey went through and survived is amazing. The story is incredible. I loved that he’s a local in my area of the world.

My only complaint, is I listened to the audiobook and the narrator pronounced Sundre incorrectly the entire book.

[Aleks Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely incredible story that encapsulates the strength of human resilience and the importance of perseverance and determination in horrible circumstances. Jeremy’s survival was truly a testament to his courage and love for his family.

[Alexandra Pattison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who spends a lot of time out west hunting and a husband who loves to hunt in the back country on his own. This book really hit home. It was hugely inspiring to put things into perspective of how dangerous our lifestyle can be.

As an Alberta Resident, this was a really interesting story to read because of the familiarity with the location but also a lot of people along the way.

I loved reading everyone’s perspectives on a very traumatic incident.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. Close to my home. Fascinating tale of the will to live!

[Kendall Saravanamuttoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Incredible (and terrifying) survival story right here in Alberta... Would highly recommend listening to the out alive podcast episode with Jeremy, writing style in book was just okay.

[Lacey W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in a journalistic way, this is a riveting account of a horrifying event and a testament of the willpower to survive. The lead up is a page turner and the aftermath is a good wind down to wrap up the story.

[Chandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The poor rating is not a commentary on Jeremy’s horrific ordeal, though I don’t personally agree with the choices that led him to be in such a predicament. This book is so poorly written, it’s a struggle to read. He’s lucky to have survived, and not so lucky with his choice of writer for this memoir.

[Venessa Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.. Good survival story..

[Jason Kirkland · Rating 1 out of 5]

The survival of Jeremy after such a brutal attack?Heroic. The ability to trudge through the second half of this book? Even more so.

[Ceeceereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just visited Alberta, I came across this story on the internet when researching the fascinating and scary wildlife (bears, cougars, wolves) and decided to purchase the book. I found it very interesting, partly because going deep into bear country feels akin to extreme mountain climbing to me. It personally scares the shit out of me but people who grew up on the land and outdoor types, don’t let the threat of a little grizzly put them off doing what they love. I respect this and hold it in awe, but personally don’t have the balls. This might be due to the fact that I’m born and raised in London where the most urgent threat is a cheeky neighbourhood fox.

I visited Banff national park in winter where I at least had the security that our furry friends were snuggled up in their dens. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable hiking alone through woods or camping but I know many/ most Canadians do.

I was gripped by the story of the lead-up to and the actual, terrifying event and initial aftermath. After which it feels a little less personal and more of a quick, news style account of treating injuries and recovery. It’s a short read, but fell a little short of my expectation due to the style of the ending and switch of narrative.

[Hunter Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t often want to leave a 5 star rating for a book, but this one was incredible.
Jeremy’s story is devastating, incredible, beautiful, and horrifying all in one. As a Canadian, it impacted my deeply in a way it wouldn’t have if it had taken place anywhere else. I finished this book the day after I picked it up from the library. I will be purchasing my own copy to keep on my book shelf, as I definitely want to read it again.
This survival story is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it beautiful in its own harrowing way. The extent of human determination is mind blowing - what love can drive us to do while sitting at deaths doorstep is life altering.
I felt adrenaline, anxiety, sadness, and empathy while reading this book. While being disturbing, it is also informative, and poses as a warning for those who are curious about outdoor activities. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in survival stories; make sure you’re able to handle the intensity of it. It truly is breathtaking form start to finish.

[FoxtailBlondie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been something great, educational and useful instead it’s as pointless as an inaccessible bear spray…

I understand that Jeremy Evan’s is not a writer and by no means is this an attack on his skill level, however Crosbie Cotton supposedly an award winning journalist and editor in chief has something to answer for, because this was far from award winning writing.

The constant shift between first person and third is overwhelming at the best of times and pure chaos for the rest. There is no continuity with this story and the constant dramatic shift in timelines pointless. As a fellow outdoor enthusiast I was expecting a work of art, knowledge and learning instead I’ve been left frustrated, with questions and bored.

Would I recommend this read? Probably not, it’s about 150 pages too long and a whole lot of poor writing.

[Paula Castleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a back country hiker or even a hiker at all to learn from this man’s experience. The take away, first and foremost, for me was the tremendous amount of strength Jeremy possesses, his knowledge of and passion for the outdoors, and his level of endurance. It’s obvious that these things fueled his ability to endure the grizzly attacks. I have always had a healthy fear of hiking anywhere that wildlife poses a threat and found comfort knowing that my companion hikers held bear spray/bear bangers. Lots of lessons here and hopefully, readers (myself included) will learn from Jeremy’s experience and advice.

[Alyssa LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across a podcast that Jeremy was a guest on but it wasn’t nearly as detailed as this book so I decided to purchase it. Mauled was an incredible documentation of how dangerous the rustic backcountry can be. What Jeremy went through was horrendous and his story is such a page turner. It’s miraculous that he survived such a gruesome attack by a grizzly. Trigger warnings: the descriptions of the event are very graphic and there’s graphic images within the book itself. This book is a fantastic example of overcoming obstacles, perseverance, and love being the strongest emotion to carry us through the hardest moments of our lives.

[jing | aperipateticbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆ (4)

came across this while browsing the gift store at the top of Whistlers Mountain and was immediately pulled in by the synopsis. as someone who annually ventures into the Rockies, Evans' story and the immense miracle of his survival was truly inspiring. I don't tend to gravitate towards these kinds of books but this one really took me by surprise with how engrossed I was. the medical details could have been better relayed but the authenticity of it all made this very impactful.

[Natalia Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Five Stars *****

I'm rating this five stars because it would feel disrespectful to not considering what this guy went through. I mean it's actually mind blowing. I was trying to hide my actual tears when he was detailing what the attack was like. I also really loved that he didn't want the bear who attacked him dead. Can't say I would say the same thing if I was in his position. I loved the journal entries and just all aspects of this story. Super easy read as well. Would definitely recommend if you are into inspiring stories and non-fiction

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - an amazing tale of not just survivial but triumph over a horrific mauling. We live nearby where this event occured and I was always curious about the outcome. The 'Life Lessons Learned' chapter is applicable to every day life not just to exceptional events like this. While I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read, at times the medical stuff was well, too medical! Full of terminology and Dr. speak, but otherwise just a great read. Thank you Crosbie Cotton and Jermey Evans.

[Alyssa Lockhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard not to whisper "Oh my god, oh my god" while reading the attack chapter. Highly detailed.

(Maybe too many details? The surgery reports could have been translated into everyday language without too much work.) And I would have liked to know more about how the ART therapy worked. The traumatic images that haunt the survivor are rendered very vividly to the reader, so knowing a bit more about how the therapy that helped calm the nightmares would have been quite interesting.

It's an extraordinary experience survived by an extremely ordinary, very practical Canadian fellow. He feels quite knowable, which is part of what makes it interesting.

Nothing philosophical, or "big picture" about it. Like a pretty interesting Macleans article.

[Wendy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books I’ve read for a long time. I have truly been inspired, and changed by it. The strength, fortitude, and positivity, as well as honesty of Jeremy Evan’s through his horrible trauma gives us all an example of the importance of never giving up, of staying positive, and looking to the good in life. Crosbie Cotton’s writing keeps you spellbound in this book! An excellent read!

[Ruby Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

I absolutely love all types of bears. I also know how very dangerous they can be. Jeremy’s strength, love for his family and his fight for survival after such a horrific savage attack teaches us all lessons about endurance, the will to survive and the painful surgery he endured are a inspiration to us all.
May he and Joyce, their children live long and fruitful lives. Living life to the fullest. This was an inspiring and life teaching book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews but this is a powerful story of an exceptionally resilient man. The different points of view along the journey was an excellent idea (wife, medical staff, wildlife investigation, etc).
Being a nurse and avid hiker, I was drawn to this book. Thank you for sharing, Jeremy and Joyce!

[Doug Gossen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of perseverance and a cautionary tale

The survival story of Jeremy Evans is truly remarkable. With incredible determination and a certain amount of luck he lived through a grizzly mauling and, perhaps more remarkably, got the treatment to overcome the mental trauma that followed.
The “Lessons Learned” may help others avoid such attacks.