#2 – Wes Perkins Bear Attack

In May 2011, Wes Perkins was on a bear hunting trip in rural Alaska when the very animal he was hunting decided to attack him. The bear hid itself until it was only 69 feet away and by the time Perkins realized what was happening, he had only enough time to reach for his gun before the bear was on top of him. His friends reacted quickly and shot the bear but not before the bear had time to leave Perkins in near-death condition.

Today, after over 25 surgeries and nearly $1 million in medical expenses, Perkins is still badly disfigured. His jaw was reconstructed with his fibula to replace what was ripped off from the bear, he has a tube in his throat, and finds it difficult to speak with only half a tongue. But, he is happy (and lucky) to be alive.