I pretty much agree with deepdiverbob. Bear is trying to show by example (like jumping through the ice in that small pond). It's true he's got a camera crew (unlike Stroud, whose show is very good ); I think it's true he cheats (like one reader pointed out about the ice fishing stunt); but, it's TV.

To people not interested in survival, they're not going to go out and try this stuff. If they find themselves stuck and they do try it, well the stuff he's teaching is, theoretically, basically correct (I think). So they're better off trying and dying than not trying..... and still dying.

To people interested in survival (like members of this forum), his antics are instantly recognized as being "made for TV".

I was watching him run, literally RUN, down this walled canyon and I'm asking my wife "What's this clown think he's doing?", and she says, quite calmly "Proving to millions he's an idiot". (She doesn't misuse her words)

Now that I realize there are so many others out there that see this guy like I do, I'm going to keep watching him...if nothing more than for the humor. Certainly there's a woman or two in his camera crew:: What does he think he's doing taking off all his clothes after spending several minutes in ice-cold water?? Has this guy lost his pride as a man?? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Forgive me