In a surprising turn of events in Healey, Alaska, a man named Gareth Jackson found himself in a life-threatening situation only to be unexpectedly rescued by a grizzly bear he had helped a year prior.

The saga began when a rogue grizzly in the Hills outside Healey was causing havoc, prompting a hunting party to set out to kill the bear. Gareth Jackson, having witnessed the bloodied and terrified hunters returning, was alarmed by the escalating situation. Concerned about the impending violence and bloodshed, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Gareth excused himself from the scene and headed home, planning to assess the situation in the wilderness the following morning. His goal was to gather facts and present a rational case at the inevitable town council meeting that would follow in the coming days.

As predicted, truckloads of armed men descended upon the town, ready to hunt down the perceived threat. Over the next week, the mob killed three bears, despite Gareth’s growing concern for the bears entering hibernation, especially the females about to give birth.