It was nine years ago today that Timothy Treadwell died in the wilds of Alaska, killed by an unbridled passion for the wilderness, and in particular, the animal he had dedicated his life to protect. You may or may not be aware of the story of Timothy Treadwell. Indeed, you may have seen Werner Herzog’s excellent documentary, Grizzly Man, and still been left wondering what kind of person Timothy was. If you haven’t, I highly recommend seeing it.
For thirteen summers Treadwell departed from civilisation (and some would say his senses) to live in Katmai National Park alongside his beloved brown bears. On the most part, he undertook this feat alone – although on that last, fateful trip he was joined by a female companion, Amie Hugenard.
It was a trip neither would return from.
Treadwell was a recovering alcoholic and drug-user. After surviving a near-fatal heroin overdose he dedicated his life to bears, believing it his mission to protect them and their habitat. He produced, directed and placed himself at the centre of his own unique documentaries – films he would later tour around schools with, educating children about bears and conservation of the wilderness. For this he never solicited a fee or any kind of recompense.
Most of the footage used by Werner Herzog came from Timothy’s tapes. Grizzly Man is as much a film about the human condition as it is a piece of nature photography, but even so, some of the footage shot by Treadwell is truly magical. At one point in the film he is seen playing with a family of foxes; in another, he is swimming with a grizzly – close enough to reach out and touch it. In fact, you will be amazed at how close Treadwell got to his subjects, apparently sharing a mutual trust with these wild predators.
The deaths of Treadwell and Hugenard are dealt with early in the film, which adds a greater poignancy to the footage as Herzog directs the action towards the fateful attack, one which Herzog himself listens to (Timothy’s video camera capturing the audio of the attack). Throughout the film Treadwell is heard to say, ‘I would die for these bears.” Bizarrely enough, Hugenard documented a fear of these animals in journals that were found at their doomed camp.
One thing that becomes clear from the film is that Timothy’s efforts polarised opinions. Some argue that Timothy Treadwell got what he was asking for, while others respected and admired him for his strength in beating addiction and surviving in such a harsh environment for thirteen years. Perhaps what he was striving for was a simpler way of life, the bear a token of the wilderness he craved. I think there is something in that for us all. And although he was killed by the one thing he endeavoured to protect, ultimately, it was bears that saved him.
With governments failing so dismally on the environment, maybe the world needs more people like Timothy Treadwell.
Blurred Worlds 
I didn’t know anything about this story. I remember learning of a similar account by a man who lived with wolves for a time. I don’t think he died, though.
As much as I admire and respect wildlife, I also know my limits as a human being. I wouldn’t presume to fit in among bears, wolves, lions, apes–no matter how amazing these creatures are. On some level they have to know a human being is an intruder.
I wonder if Treadwell felt in some ways that he had reached the end of the line in life as he knew it, and felt he had no other choice but to retreat among wild animals. At least there he can’t be seduced by his addictions. I also wonder if he ever thought that if he died in the wilderness, that would be a more respected, courageous death than dying from drugs.
Researching animals and their habitats in such an intimate way is really a breathtaking idea. I appreciate Treadwell’s love and admiration and devotion for bears, and in that respect, we definitely need more people like him.
Thanks for the comment, Kate!
I think you have a point about man needing to distance himself from nature, and that’s probably why Timothy brought about such contrasting opinions. By all accounts the bears were protected in Katmai National Park anyway, so maybe he went there to escape his own demons.
The fact that we seem intent on destroying these last wild places means the educational side to his involvement with bears and their wild home should be applauded though. So, yeah, we need more people with the same passion as he had, if not the extreme methods.
Darren
I have discussed much about the Grizzly Man. It sounds perhaps hard, I think the Grizzly Man was both right and wrong.
You mustn’t encounter the Wildlife the way the man did, he was just a romantic Urbanite. Let the wild animals be wild!
Reblogged this on and commented:
Originally posted October 2012 on A Wilderness Within
That was a bittersweet romance, and his passing was tragic in terms of educational values, and conversely we have to educate about safety and animal welfare without him. But the message is obvious and he knew what he wanted and what he was doing. I think the statements that he ‘got what he deserved’ were unjust and harsh. He made a choice and it isn’t deserving of that narrow view. Common sense told him what could happen, but he embraced it and risked it all willingly…for his own and selfless reasons, but that he deserved it?
He certainly won’t be forgotten I hope, and he is again indirectly highlighting a cause – we should be helping not sneering sideways at him.
I have nothing but admiration for him. Sure, he had his demons, but he fought to conquer them and give something positive into a world that poured mostly scorn onto him.
Exactly. ..it’s what we do it seems. Nice post Darren.