A Grizzly Tale

Johan Otter's life changed in a fraction of a second the day he and his daughter Jenna were attacked by a grizzly bear while hiking in Glacier National Park. This is his tale of survival, family, and triumph in the face of trauma.

"More than a story of a bear attack, this is the incredible story of a father and daughter's love, determination, resilience, and triumph. Johan and Jenna fought to survive both the attack and the life threatening injuries, fought during extensive recovery, and grew in ways that have inspired many, including the rescue teams that helped them survive a grizzly bear attack on the side of a mountain in Glacier National Park's backcountry." - Gary Moses, Lake McDonald District Ranger, Glacier National Park, 2008 Harry Yount Award recipient

"Do miracles exist? My friends and colleagues ask that question and I think we both know the answer. You will too after you read this story of courage. Johan Otter will take you step-by- step through an exciting vacation - to a terrifying Grizzly Bear attack - the brave rescuers putting themselves in harm's way and a dynamic rescue off the edge of a cliff - to the dramatic and almost choreographed care of an emergency department team connected to a trauma system in another state. The story is also about the love of a family - caring medical professionals - the caring of an employer- and the ultimate recovery of a brave man. This could be a fictional movie but it's not. It's the real deal." - Chris Van Gorder, FACHE, President/Chief Executive Officer, Scripps Health

"To know Johan is to understand how he miraculously survived the worst bear attack imaginable. Johan's personal account is both frightening and inspiring as he describes how his and the grizzly sow's instincts protected their young. Johan's inner strength, conditioning, stubbornness, amazing rescue, and love of life have, thankfully, enabled him to reach this day." - Gary G. Fybel, FACHE, Chief Executive, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

"There is no better way to explain a concept than with a story - and A Grizzly Tale is an epic story of how a trauma system functions at its best. A harrowing and fascinating read, it is also a tale of great personal courage and character revealed in adversity." - A. Brent Eastman, MD, FACS, President American College Surgeons 2012-2013