Real Survival Stories Stranded on Ice: Polar Bears Prowling…
May 14, 2025
Glen Gantz, a Utah biologist, shares his electrifying tale of a solo rafting trip down the Firth River in 2000, where the wilderness pushed him to his limits. He recounts the harrowing moment he became stranded on a spit of land with a prowling polar bear nearby, revealing the thin line between adventure and peril. Glen discusses battling severe weather, confronting his fears while trapped in a storm for 36 hours, and the unexpected emotional weight of isolation. His story is a gripping reminder of nature’s beauty and danger.
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Starting the Solo Journey
- Glenn is dropped off by a plane on Margaret Lake but must paddle through muddy water to shore with his gear.
- He camps at the riverbank exhausted and alone, facing the start of his perilous journey.
Surviving a Fierce Arctic Storm
- During a fierce storm, Glenn's tent is battered and he struggles to secure it through the night without sleep.
- He fights hypothermia and exhaustion, barely surviving through relentless winds and snow.
Encounter With a Polar Bear
- Glenn discovers enormous bear tracks on Nunaluk Spit, realizing a polar bear is nearby.
- He fears for his life since polar bears see humans as prey and the land offers no escape.