Grizzly Man

Independent Topic (2)

Grizzly Man (2005) was the first documentary I ever watched. Ten years later, it is still one of my favorite films and I have watched it at least a dozen times. It is the story of Timothy Treadwell, a bear activist who lived in the wild of Alaska for thirteen summer seasons. Treadwell would come in extremely close contact with the bears and other wild animals during this time. It is quite terrifying watching a non-professional interacting with a huge grizzly. Timothy asserted that he had an understanding and level of trust with the bears. He even gave them childish names such as “Mr. Chocolate” and “Rowdy the Bear.” In October 2003, Timothy and his girlfriend, Amie, were killed by a grizzly bear. Most people would say it was a miracle that he survived so long in that dangerous environment surrounded by deadly animals. Timothy always claimed he would rather die than kill a bear; he got his wish. I value a human life over the life of any animal. Two adults’ lives were ended because they were near grizzly bears. They should still be alive but due to their choice to go into the wilderness long-term, they are deceased. I love being outdoors but I also believe in healthy limitations. Timothy Treadwell set no limits on his encounters with bears and this was what killed him. He filmed some of the best footage of grizzly bears, but ultimately he paid for it with his life.