January 25th 2025.
Gordon Buchanan, a seasoned BBC cameraman, recently shared a harrowing experience he had while filming in the Arctic. Having spent over three decades capturing the wonders of nature for renowned documentaries, Gordon was no stranger to being in close proximity to wild animals. However, one encounter with a polar bear proved to be a terrifying exception.
While sitting just inches away from predators was nothing new for Gordon, this particular day was different. A massive polar bear had its sights set on him and launched a sudden attack. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Gordon recalled the unsettling moment when the bear fixed its gaze on him, preparing to strike. It was clear that he was on the menu for this fierce predator.
Despite being safely inside a metal cage, known as the Ice Cube, Gordon could still see the bear's enormous teeth and paws as she desperately tried to reach him through the reinforced Perspex. He described the fear he felt as the bear's hot breath steamed up the plastic sheet, and the cube shook with each heavy blow. The possibility of the ice breaking and him being trapped or drowning in the freezing waters added to his already intense fear.
But the bear's relentless attack remained the most immediate threat, as she continuously tried to pry open a gap in the cube to get to Gordon. Despite the danger, he managed to remain calm and continued to film the encounter, even narrating it as if he wasn't facing certain death. It was a heart-stopping experience, with Gordon's microphone even picking up the sound of his racing heartbeat.
Thankfully, after what felt like an eternity, the bear eventually gave up and walked away. Gordon was left shaken but relieved that he had survived such a close call. He later admitted that it was one of the scariest moments of his life and something he never wanted to experience again.
This encounter was just one of the many close calls Gordon has had while filming in the wild. From being chased by tigers and bears to being charged by elephants, he has seen it all. However, most of these encounters were just warning displays from the animals to keep their distance. This time, the bear was genuinely hungry and determined to make Gordon her next meal.
This terrifying experience was eventually turned into a three-part documentary called The Polar Bear Family & Me, which aired in 2013. It followed Gordon's journey as he documented the life of a polar bear mother and her cubs for a year in the Arctic Circle. The documentary shed light on the effects of the climate crisis on these majestic creatures, who are struggling to find food as their icy home melts away.
The polar bear attack serves as a stark reminder of the declining population of these animals. With only an estimated 26,000 polar bears left in the world, according to Polar Bears International, their future is uncertain. In 2008, they were granted protective status under the Endangered Species Act, but their numbers continue to dwindle.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Gordon continues to be a passionate wildlife photographer, with over 30 years of experience under his belt. His new book, In The Hide: How The Natural World Saved My Life, shares even more of his incredible encounters with powerful animals. From tigers to elephants, Gordon's work has taken him on incredible adventures, and he has the scars to prove it.
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