The Choice: Season 1

Episode 08: The Ultimate Coexistence Part 2

“Surviving the bear was hard enough. Surviving people’s judgment was even harder.”

Episode 08: The Ultimate Coexistence, Part 2

Surviving the attack was only the beginning.

The Ultimate Coexistence, Part 2 is the eighth chapter of The Choice — and the conclusion of our two-part special on Shayne Burke’s grizzly encounter. While Part 1 told the story of the attack, this episode follows Shayne’s dramatic rescue, his long road to recovery, and the unexpected battles he faced afterward.

From the Jenny Lake Rangers’ world-class response to the helicopter rescue and hospital treatment, we witness how human determination and teamwork saved Shayne’s life. But his greatest challenges weren’t just physical. Online vitriol, skepticism, and cruelty left scars of a different kind. Through it all, Shayne never lost his compassion for the bear — or his belief in coexistence.

This is the story of survival, resilience, and the ultimate test of perspective.

🎥 What You’ll See

  • Rare footage of the Jenny Lake Rangers and Grand Teton Search & Rescue in action

  • Aerial shots and ground-level video of the helicopter rescue unfolding in real time

  • Intimate interviews with Shayne and his wife, Chloe, on the aftermath and recovery

  • Behind-the-scenes look at the emotional toll: online hate, doubt, and the burden of telling his truth

  • A reflection on coexistence — not just with bears, but with a divided human public

📖 Episode Themes

  • Survival beyond the attack — the physical, emotional, and social journey

  • The role of military training, EMT knowledge, and quick decisions in saving Shayne’s life

  • The cruelty of public judgment versus the grace of personal forgiveness

  • Coexistence as a choice — even after trauma

💬 Featured Quote

“It’s unimaginable that my biggest fear wasn’t the bear, or returning to the forest — it was from people online.” — Shayne Burke

🧭 Take Action

Shayne’s story reminds us that coexistence is bigger than one encounter.
If a survivor can show compassion for the bear, we can choose compassion for each other — and for all wildlife still at risk.

👉 Learn how you can help → The Wildline