Episode 07: The Ultimate Coexistence, Part 1

What does it mean to coexist with grizzlies — when the stakes are life and death?

The Ultimate Coexistence, Part 1 is the seventh chapter of The Choice — and the first of a two-part special. This episode tells the story of Shayne Burke, a combat veteran and wildlife enthusiast who survived a brutal grizzly attack in Grand Teton National Park.

Through Shayne’s own words and the extraordinary rescue that followed, we confront one of the hardest truths: even when people do everything right, coexistence carries risk. But Shayne’s perspective is what makes this story remarkable — instead of hatred, he came away with compassion for the bear who attacked him.

This is not just a story of survival. It’s a story about perspective, courage, and what it really means to share the wild.

🎥 What You’ll See

• First-hand interviews with Shayne Burke recounting the attack in his own voice

• Exclusive footage of the life-flight helicopter rescue from the Tetons

• Images from the aftermath — tourniquets, stretchers, and the tense wait for help

• On-the-ground sequences of Felicia (Grizzly 863) and her cubs from the very same day, reminding us of the beauty and danger intertwined in coexistence

• Emotional moments capturing the resilience of both Shayne and the rescue team
  

📖 Episode Themes

• Coexistence as a reality, not a slogan — and the risks it can carry

• The fine line between safety and vulnerability in grizzly country

• Human resilience and survival under extreme conditions

• The paradox: a man attacked by a grizzly becomes one of its strongest advocates
  

💬 Featured Quote

“When the ranger found me, my first question wasn’t if I would live. It was what would happen to the bear.” — Shayne Burke

🧭 Take Action

This episode challenges us to rethink what coexistence truly means.
If Shayne can forgive a grizzly, what’s our excuse? Stand with coexistence, and with the people and bears living on the edge of survival.

👉 Learn how you can help → The Wildline