Personal Injury Law
Montana Man Recovering After Grizzly Bear Attack A Montana man, Rudy Noorlander, is on the road to recovery after being attacked by a grizzly bear, which resulted in the front of his lower jaw being bitten off. Noorlander, who spent five weeks in a Utah hospital, is now preparing to return home. During a news conference held at the University of Utah hospital, Noorlander expressed his eagerness to enjoy a root beer float, reunite with his beloved Yorkshire terrier Sully, and return to outdoor activities. He even hopes to attend the upcoming football game between the Montana Grizzlies and his favorite team, the Montana State Bobcats. While Noorlander can speak briefly, it still causes him some discomfort. He will require speech therapy to aid in his recovery, according to his surgeon, Dr. Hilary McCrary. Noorlander declined to answer questions about the attack, as he wishes to tell his own story and eventually write a book. He even has dreams of having actor Cole Hauser from the “Yellowstone” television series portray him in a movie adaptation. Noorlander’s daughters, Ashley Noorlander and KateLynn Noorlander Davis, accompanied him during the news conference and shared the emotional journey of the past five weeks. Davis read a statement on behalf of her father, expressing gratitude for the support, love, prayers, and kindness he has received from friends and strangers alike. Noorlander eagerly anticipates experiencing the taste of his first root beer float and looks forward to being free of medical equipment. The family hopes to bring Noorlander home on Monday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. The grizzly bear attack occurred on September 8 while Noorlander was assisting two individuals in searching for a wounded deer. The bear surprised him, leaving him with no time to deploy bear spray or use his gun, which misfired. The incident took place south of Big Sky, a popular resort area near Yellowstone National Park. Noorlander, who owns a business renting out all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles in the area, had to be airlifted to safety, a process that took several hours. He initially received treatment at a hospital in Bozeman, where a tracheostomy was performed to create an airway through his trachea. He was subsequently transported to the Utah hospital for further care. During a ten-hour operation on September 28, Noorlander’s jaw and lower lip were reconstructed using a section of his lower leg bone and transplanted skin. Dental implants were also inserted during the surgery. Dr. McCrary expressed her admiration for Noorlander’s determination to recover, noting his unwavering spirit even in the early stages of his treatment. Noorlander believes that sharing his story is an opportunity to help others facing similar challenges. He views the attack as an answer to his prayers and hopes that his experience can provide guidance and support to those going through similar hardships. Noorlander expressed gratitude that he was the one attacked, rather than a group of elderly hikers he encountered on the same trail that day. While Noorlander continues to heal, there is a small wound under his chin that requires further attention. Doctors are working to ensure he can eat without risking infection. As a special treat, if he’s lucky, a root beer float may be waiting for him in his room as a sign of celebration and progress in his recovery. This story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the resilience of the human spirit. Our thoughts are with Noorlander as he continues his journey towards a full recovery.
October 16, 2023
