Man films incredibly calm video after shooting himself in leg as he survives bear attack
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: Storyful
Warning: Contains content some readers may find upsetting
A 32-year-old man managed to film possibly one of the most casual videos ever recorded, and he did it after just surviving a bear attack and shooting himself in the leg.
A situation like that would probably leave most people an inconsolable wreck, but not Tyler Johnson.
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Johnson was on a hunting trip with his dad and hiking on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska when the pair encountered the brown bear.
Recalling the moment to CNN, Johnson said: "It was a growl and then an immediate charge."
In the space of about four seconds, the bear slammed Johnson to the ground and bit his leg, while both he and his dad pulled out their guns and began to fire at the animal.
In doing so, Johnson accidentally shot a bullet through his own upper leg - but the pair did manage to hit the bear too.
Immediately after the animal was killed, Johnson looked at his leg and said: "Dad, I shot myself."
Johsnon's father, Chris, is an Alaska State Trooper who served with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 30 years. His experience helped him spring straight into action, and he quickly got to work wrapping the gunshot in gauze.
Chris then contacted emergency troopers via SOS to inform them of the incident and let them know they needed help.
As they waited, Johnson began filming a video in which he described the situation and casually revealed how he'd shot himself in the leg.
"We got an SOS out... I'm trying to get my heart rate a little bit slower right now. It's a beautiful day!" he said.
Johnson told CNN to adrenaline flowing throw his body helped prevent him from feeling much pain, though he also performed breathing techniques and listened to music to help keep his mind off his injury.
He also credited his father with keeping him calm, saying: "It’s those little things that try to help you through a hard moment. Realizing that you’re there with the only person you would want to be there with was really comforting."
When the rescue helicopter arrived, Johnson was administered an IV and taken to a hospital in Anchorage. He is now recovering from the injury.
After he was rescued, Johnson learned troopers had returned to the location of the attack and discovered a cub in the area, which may help explain why the bear attacked so aggressively.
After continuing his recovery in Anchorage, Johnson is now preparing to return to Austin, Texas.