Rudy Noorlander is lucky to be alive after being mauled by a grizzly bear in Montana and his survival has led him to be even more invested in one of college football‘s most historic and passionate rivalries. It makes a lot of sense that his hatred would be greater now than ever before!
Noorlander, 61, was attacked by a grizzly on Sept. 8 in an area just south of Big Sky. He was helping two hunters — who rented ATVs from his business near Yellowstone National Park — look for a deer that they had shot and wounded.
The bear came out of nowhere.
Because of how quick it happened, Noorlander was unable to deploy his bear spray, and his gun misfired. He tried to punch the animal “in hopes of slowing it down,” but his efforts were ineffective.
After the first punch, the Grizzly was on top of Rudy. The Grizzly left a large scratch down his right chest, bit his arms, legs, and to top it all off, gave him as what Rudy describes as the most disgusting french kiss of his life before biting down and tearing off his lower jaw.
— KateLynn Noorlander, via GoFundMe
Noorlander survived. After being transported to the University of Utah, a 10-hour operation used a portion of his lower leg bone, transplanted skin and dental implants to reconstruct his jaw.
It is a miracle that he lived through the attack and Noorlander’s story is remarkable.
Now, after five weeks in the hospital, Noorlander is ready to return home. He spoke to the media during a press conference earlier this week with help of a white board and his two daughters.
Although Noorlander didn’t take any questions about the attack itself (because he wants to write a book and hopes that Cole Hauser will play in him in a movie adaptation), his gratitude toward life was abundant. It is his hope to live with a sense of normalcy sooner rather than later.
Noorlander can’t wait to have a root beer float. He can’t wait to get back with his dog at home.
Montana vs. Montana State has new meaning!
And if all goes according to plan, he can’t wait to attend next month’s football game between Montana and Montana State. First played in 1897, the in-state ‘Brawl of the Wild’ rivalry has been played as long as Ohio State vs. Michigan.
Noorlander is a fan of Montana State University. He hates the University of Montana.
Now more than ever.
He’s developed a whole new hatred toward the University of Montana.
— Katelynn Noorlander during her father’s press conference
Montana’s mascot is the very animal that tore off his jaw: the Grizzlies. Need more be said?!