Grizzly bear attack survivor recovering at University of Utah Hospital
Oct 13, 2023, 7:02 PM | Updated: Oct 14, 2023, 9:16 am
SALT LAKE CITY — A Montana man who survived a grizzly bear attack five weeks ago is now speaking for the first time. He’s been recovering at the University of Utah Hospital.
As his jaw and throat heal, Rudy Noorlander is relying on his daughters to speak for him. Through his daughters, Noorlander said he will not be kept from the outdoors, even though this wasn’t his first interaction with a grizzly. His first interaction with a grizzly bear was when he was just 10 years old.
“I can’t wait to get back to it,” one of Noorlanders daughter’s said, speaking for her father. “And, he also says ‘I will win round two.’ I would like for him to not do that please.”
Noorlander has received multiple reconstructive surgeries. However, his doctors say he’s now over the toughest hurdles.
Noorlander said, “Believe it or not,” he believes this attack has been an answer to his prayers.
“Potentially, it could help somebody else going through something similar,” said Noorlander’s daughter speaking for him.
As he’s recovering, Noorlander has some words of wisdom to share.
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all,” his daughter said for him. “Even if there seems to be no hope, keep on fighting.”
Now, the first thing he plans on doing when he gets home is giving his dog a big hug.
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