Alaskan Man Survives Brutal Bear Attack, Loses Sight

In November 2025, Dan Bigley, an Alaskan resident, recounted the harrowing details of a bear attack he experienced over 20 years ago. In 2005, Bigley was walking through the forest with a friend when they encountered a large, aggressive brown bear. The bear attacked Bigley, dragging him into the bushes and biting his head several times, cracking his skull and causing him to lose consciousness.

Bigley was left blinded by the attack, but through sheer luck, his brain was not penetrated. He spent 12 hours in surgery and was placed in a medically-induced coma, with doctors initially describing his condition as "incompatible with life." However, Bigley defied the odds and began the long road to recovery.

Despite the trauma of the incident, Bigley has gone on to live a fulfilling life. He co-wrote a book in 2013 titled "Beyond the Bear: How I Learned to Live and Love Again after Being Blinded by a Bear," in which he shares his story and how he overcame the challenges he faced. Bigley now lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife and two children, and he continues to inspire others with his resilience and positive outlook.