Gritty reality-documentary Life Below Zero comes to the UK this month, following seven people who live in the wilderness of Alaska, hundreds of miles from civilisation and forced to be completely self-sufficient.
Sue was attacked by a bear
We got the opportunity to put some questions to one of the show's contributors, Sue, about a near-death experience she had whilst living this life, when she was attacked by a bear. Read on to find out what she had to say...
Can you tell us about the time before you were attacked by a bear, where you were and why?
I had been at Kavik for a while before this incident and was doing what I do now, running the camp and managing it.
When the day came that a bear attacked you, what exactly happened?
While getting water from the river the male bear attacked; using his jaws and claws [he] tried to let me know he was usurping my turf and effectively [was] giving me my eviction notice. He slipped back into the river and I made it to the Dining hall, tried to reach help, and had to sew my head up and cinch my hips so I could go and dispatch the bear before I couldn't walk. I did just that but on the way back to camp, the hips gave out and I had to drag myself back to camp and wait for someone to find me.
What can you remember about your feelings and thoughts at the time the bear attacked?
I knew it was a juvenile male bear's attempt to subjugate, so I tried to make sure with each roll I rolled with the bear and not to put pressure on claws nor fight back. You accept the attack for what it is, a push for dominance. It is not comfortable to dig deeper mentally into that day or situation.
It took 10 days for you to receive help - what was going through your head at this time?
Again... I don't dwell on this. To keep the story alive and in the forefront of my brain is to invite nightmares and unwanted emotional responses. I certainly was hoping that the weather which had become foggy would clear and one of the planes going overhead would figure out I was hurt and needed attention. I could hear a second bear outside the tent eating an animal and it is very uncomfortable not knowing if you will be next.
Despite this you still live in the bears' world - why did you decide to stay?
Bears can't help being bears, and I can't help being Sue. I don't want to be controlled or limited by fear or inadequacies, so I needed to see if I could still handle the job and location. It is never a matter of IF I am going to be challenged by an animal, but when. I dealt with the next attack well and have stayed. I want to protect the Arctic and its inhabitants, not just the cute ones, but all. Being Warden of Kavik means I have to be on my toes all the time, but also protect and ensure the environment for ALL creatures.
Do you ever think you'll leave and chase life elsewhere?
I am a curious monkey who doesn't see the need to grow up. I WILL see some amazing thing that needs the Sue touch someday and go off to see what it is. I don't know where or when, but will be up to as many life experiences as possible before my expiration date creeps up on me.
Life Below Zero premieres on Travel Channel 25th January at 10pm Freeview 42, Sky 249, freesat 150, Virgin 292