Chase Dellwo of Great Falls, Montana, survived a grizzly bear attack on Oct. 3 by utilizing a remarkable tip from his grandmother, reports the Associated Press.
As Dellwo told AP, “I remembered an article that my grandmother gave me a long time ago that said large animals have bad gag reflexes. So I shoved my right arm down his throat.”
Dellwo and his brother were bow hunting at the time. They had split paths, with Dellwo attempting to drive a herd of elk up a creek bed to a ridge where his brother waited.
At that point, Dellwo reportedly came upon the bear and was within three feet of it before even realizing it was there. After being knocked off his feet, and after the bear had bitten both his head and his leg, the hunter remembered his grandmother’s pointer.
Peder McOmber, senior in history from California, said, “Old school advice works. Grandma knows best.”
Arizona psychology senior Rebecca Adams agreed. She said, “If I were in that situation, I would do what my grandma said. He probably always remembered the advice beforehand, so in the moment of need he didn’t have to think, he just acted.”
According to AP, Dellwo rejoined his brother after the bear left. He was driven to the hospital, where he received treatment for puncture wounds on his leg and cuts on his face and head.
Dellwo doesn’t blame the bear. As he told Great Falls Tribune, “I want everyone to know that it wasn’t the bear’s fault. He was as scared as I was.”
Although the grandmotherly advice Dellwo took advantage of was effective against the grizzly, it would be rather less effective against commonplace animal threats in Hawaii. For example, don’t stick your arm down a shark’s throat.
Following the famous Mick Fanning shark attack in South Africa earlier this year, shark expert Richard Peirce gave CNN tips and pointers for potential shark attacks such as avoiding river mouths, not bleeding (or peeing) in the water, and maintaining eye contact. In addition, in past reports of wild boar attacks, the Honolulu Star Advertiser suggested hikers climb a tree when threatened by this native Hawaiian animal.
According to the articles, wild boars can charge quickly, have dangerous tusks, and weigh up to 300 pounds, making it unwise to keep yourself on the ground.
However, for Great Falls, Mont. residents and others for whom bear encounters are a possibility, remembering, “large animals have bad gag reflexes” could be a lifesaver.
Dr. Reece, professor in exercise and sports science, stated simply, “I’d throw up too if you put your arm down my throat.”