Real Survival Stories: "Stranded on Ice: Polar Bears Prowling…"

Episode Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: John Hopkins
Production Team: Joel Duddell, Ed Baranski, Luke Lonergan, Miri Latham, Jacob Booth, Liam Cameron, Rob Plummer, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Cody Reynolds-Shaw
Music Composed by: Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Real Survival Stories, host John Hopkins delves into the harrowing solo adventure of Glenn Gantz, a 41-year-old wildlife biologist from Utah. Set against the backdrop of Canada's unforgiving northern wilderness, Glenn's 12-day rafting expedition down the perilous Firth River transforms from a passion-fueled quest into a life-or-death struggle.

Preparation and Motivation

Glenn's journey began with meticulous planning and a deep-seated love for adventure. As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, Glenn had a history of tackling challenging endeavors, from road biking at age 12 to paragliding at 17. His decision to undertake the solo rafting trip was both a testament to his adventurous spirit and a homage to his late friend, Scott George.

Glenn Gantz ([07:57]): "I started road biking when I was like 12... My whole life, I always sought out adventures to build my spirit."

Despite initial setbacks—his original group of five friends withdrawing twice—Glenn's determination remained unshaken. After confirming with Canadian park rangers that there were no regulations against solo trips on the Firth River, he secured his family's support for this ambitious endeavor.

Glenn Gantz ([04:34]): "I'm not sure why you'd want to do that. And no one's ever done it, but there's no regulations against it."

The Journey Begins

Departing from Utah, Glenn embarked on a five-day drive to Inuvik in the Yukon Territory, followed by a bush plane flight to Margaret Lake—the starting point of his expedition. However, initial challenges surfaced when heavy rains and a malfunctioning plane landing forced Glenn into uncharted territory sooner than anticipated.

John Hopkins ([14:03]): "Due to heavy rain in recent days, the pilot can't get any closer to the river."

Stranded on a murky lake with his equipment, Glenn ingeniously inflated his raft and commenced the arduous journey to the riverbank, setting up camp under harsh conditions. Despite exhaustion and dwindling supplies, Glenn's resilience shone through as he navigated the serene yet deceptive wilderness.

Glenn Gantz ([18:10]): "When the pilot left, I remember the feeling of, wow, I am here all alone... This is an adventure."

Encounters with Nature

The first few days unfolded with relative ease as Glenn marveled at the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. However, the tranquility was deceptive. On the second day, Glenn discovered bite marks on his boots, hinting at the presence of elusive predators.

Glenn Gantz ([19:18]): "There were bite marks through the boots, actual punctures going right through the boot, and they were covered in hair... I couldn't identify what kind of hair it was."

This unsettling encounter underscored the constant threats lurking in the wilderness, compelling Glenn to prioritize his safety and maintain vigilance.

The Gorge and Escalating Challenges

Reaching the tumultuous Gorge marked a turning point in Glenn's expedition. Navigating through narrow, frothing waters with towering rock walls tested his rafting skills and physical endurance to the limit.

Glenn Gantz ([23:16]): "I often describe it as you're getting flushed down a toilet. You're at the mercy of the river."

Fuel shortages and relentless weather compounded Glenn's struggles, pushing his body and spirit to the brink. As the journey pressed on, fatigue set in, and Glenn found himself facing monumental decisions with limited options.

The Night of the Polar Bear

On the ninth day, as Glenn battled through a fierce storm, he made a chilling discovery—the tracks of a polar bear on Nunaluk Spit. The realization of the imminent danger intensified his perilous situation.

Glenn Gantz ([36:00]): "These bear tracks were huge. I mean, they made the grizzly bear track look small... there is a polar bear on the spit."

With his provisions locked away and the storm showing no signs of abating, Glenn's predicament seemed dire. Isolated on a narrow peninsula with a formidable predator nearby, every moment was a fight for survival.

The Desperate Call for Help

As hypothermia and hunger gnawed at Glenn, he grappled with the decision to send a distress signal. Amidst doubts and hallucinations fueled by extreme conditions, Glenn reached for his satellite phone—his lifeline to the outside world.

Glenn Gantz ([39:35]): "I'm out here. I made it out to the spit... I am dangling on a thread on the bottom of that rope right now."

Despite establishing contact, rescue efforts were hampered by ongoing severe weather, leaving Glenn in a precarious wait for salvation.

Rescue and Reflection

Just as hope seemed dimmest, rescuers appeared amidst the relentless storm. Overwhelmed by exhaustion and near-collapse, Glenn was airlifted to safety just in time. The rescuers revealed the presence of a whale carcass nearby, which likely diverted the polar bear from targeting Glenn.

John Hopkins ([47:20]): "It's an unbelievable stroke of luck."

Recovering on Herschel Island, Glenn reflected on the thin margins that spared his life and the invaluable lessons learned about resilience, mental fortitude, and the importance of companionship in survival.

Glenn Gantz ([48:26]): "I keep a positive mental attitude... if you're doing a trip with other people, the people that are there is the most important thing."

Conclusion and Legacy

Glenn's ordeal left an indelible mark on his life, reinforcing the significance of family and the enduring human spirit. Nearly a quarter-century later, Glenn continues to seek adventures, now with his daughters by his side, carrying forward the lessons of his survival journey.

Glenn Gantz ([49:41]): "This trip has a long lasting impact on me. It makes me live my life better, not wasting any moment of it."

Preview of the Next Episode

In the upcoming episode, Real Survival Stories introduces Rachel Colenza, a climber whose first date turns into a deadly ordeal on an Alpine peak in Switzerland. Facing extreme weather and limited shelter, Rachel and her companion must navigate life-threatening conditions high above the earth.

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This summary aims to capture the essence and key moments of Glenn Gantz's survival story, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.