Montana Resident Prepares to Leave Hospital After Surviving Severe Grizzly Bear Attack

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After spending five weeks recuperating in a Utah hospital following a vicious attack by a grizzly bear that severed his lower jaw, a Montana man is set to return to his home, according to statements made by his family and physician in a recent news conference.

Rudy Noorlander communicated primarily by writing on a whiteboard during his stay at the University of Utah Hospital. He expressed enthusiasm for enjoying a root beer float upon his return, reconnecting with his pet Yorkshire terrier, Sully, resuming his outdoor activities, and potentially attending the upcoming football game between his favored Montana State Bobcats and the Montana Grizzlies.

Katelynn Noorlander Davis, his daughter, mentioned that her father has developed a newfound aversion to the University of Montana, the school represented by the rival team’s mascot.

While Noorlander can engage in brief verbal communication, he experiences some discomfort in doing so. Dr. Hilary McCrary, his treating surgeon, stated that Noorlander will require speech therapy moving forward.

In terms of recounting the details of the attack, Noorlander has chosen to reserve them for a forthcoming book he intends to write. He also expressed a preference for actor Cole Hauser, known for his role in the “Yellowstone” TV series, to portray him in any film adaptation of his experience.

Flanked by family members Ashley Noorlander and Davis, he reflected on the trials and triumphs of the past five weeks during the news conference. Davis read a statement from her father, thanking everyone for the overwhelming support, love, prayers, and kindness he has received from both acquaintances and strangers alike.

“I feel extraordinarily fortunate to be in the company of such remarkable individuals,” Davis read, articulating her father’s sentiment. He also expressed eagerness to savor his first root beer float after the ordeal and to live unencumbered by medical devices.

The family anticipates that Noorlander will be discharged and return home by Monday.

The incident with the grizzly bear occurred on September 8. Noorlander was accompanying two individuals who were searching for a wounded deer they had shot. He encountered the bear so abruptly that he was unable to use his bear spray, and his firearm failed to discharge, as per earlier reports.

The site of the attack was located south of Big Sky, a frequented resort locale approximately 55 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Noorlander owns a business in the area that rents all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Following the attack, he was airlifted to Bozeman Hospital where he underwent a tracheostomy. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Utah hospital for further treatment.

In a lengthy surgery conducted on September 28, Noorlander’s jaw and lower lip were reconstructed using a segment of bone from his lower leg and grafted skin. The procedure also included the installation of dental implants.

Dr. McCrary lauded Noorlander’s will to recover when she first met him, noting that he was adamant about overcoming the challenges posed by the incident, despite being on a ventilator and having multiple medical lines attached to him.

Motivated by his family and his own zeal for life, Noorlander quipped, “I will win Round 2,” implying a future encounter with the bear.

When asked why he wanted to share his story, Noorlander wrote, “Only by the hands of God am I here.” He expressed a belief that his experience could potentially benefit others facing similar adversities. Remarkably, he stated that he was relieved it was he who faced the attack, rather than four older hikers he had observed on the same trail that day.

Doctors continue to monitor a minor wound under Noorlander’s chin that requires healing, and are working to ensure he can commence eating without the risk of infection, according to Dr. McCrary.

Dr. McCrary also noted that, if all goes well, a root beer float could be awaiting Noorlander upon his return to his room.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Grizzly bear attack recovery

More about Grizzly bear attack recovery

• Grizzly Bear Attacks in Montana
• Wildlife Safety Guidelines Near Yellowstone National Park
• University of Utah Hospital’s Trauma and Recovery Services
• Procedures for Jaw and Lower Lip Reconstruction Surgery
• Speech Therapy After Severe Facial Injuries
• Tracheostomy Care and Procedure Guidelines
• Personal Accounts of Wildlife Attacks and Recovery
• Big Sky, Montana: Local Attractions and Safety Measures
• Statistics on Wildlife Attacks in North America
• Importance of Bear Spray and Other Preventive Measures