10 Intriguing Insights About Grizzly Man

Almost a decade ago, Werner Herzog made a remarkable return to documentary filmmaking, exploring subjects like Tibetan Buddhism, aviation, ancient art, and individuals living in extraordinary conditions. At the heart of this creative surge was Grizzly Man, a film delving into the life and tragic demise of amateur naturalist Timothy Treadwell among bears.

For 13 summers, Treadwell immersed himself in the wilds of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, capturing footage and portraying himself as a daring guardian who could interact closely with grizzlies. In 2003, he and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard extended their stay into the pre-hibernation period, leading to a fatal bear attack. The incident left behind haunting footage and numerous unanswered questions, which Herzog expertly explored in his documentary. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Grizzly Man, co-filmed by its subject.

1. WERNER HERZOG WAS DRAWN TO THE PROJECT BY A LOST PAIR OF GLASSES.

While searching for his reading glasses in Erik Nelson’s office, the German filmmaker stumbled upon an article about Timothy Treadwell. Nelson, a producer for National Geographic and Discovery, suggested he read it, as they were planning to adapt it into a film.

"After reading the article, I rushed back to his office and asked, 'Who’s directing this?'" Herzog told NPR. "Nelson replied, 'I’m sort of directing it.' Sensing hesitation, I declared in my strong German accent, 'No, I will direct this movie.' That was it. We shook hands, and I took on the project."

2. TIMOTHY TREADWELL DEVOTED 35,000 HOURS TO LIVING AMONG THE BEARS.

While many criticized Treadwell for habituating bears to human presence, which could endanger both the animals and people, bear expert Charlie Russell defended him. Russell praised Treadwell’s unique ability to bond with the bears and his remarkable commitment, spending 35,000 hours over 13 years in their company.

3. TREADWELL ASPIRED TO CREATE HIS OWN FILM FROM HIS FOOTAGE.

Herzog began with over 100 hours of footage Treadwell had recorded during his time in the park. The footage was not only extensive but also carefully organized, both in its filming and selection. As highlighted in Grizzly Man, “Treadwell” was a stage name for the aspiring actor who narrowly missed a role on Cheers (he claimed to have nearly secured the part of Woody Boyd). He filmed his bear encounters as if he were a nature documentary host, releasing a one-hour edit that Herzog viewed during production, though most of the footage remained private, shared only with close friends.

4. DAVID LETTERMAN JOKED WITH TREADWELL ABOUT THE RISK OF BEING KILLED BY A BEAR.

The only segment of the documentary that was altered or omitted was a clip from Late Show with David Letterman, where the host highlighted the obvious danger Treadwell faced. Treadwell confidently replied that he wouldn’t be killed by a bear, a statement that echoed the ironic tone of the documentary’s opening, where he dismissed the possibility of such a fate.

5. HERZOG WAS STUNNED BY THE POWER OF TREADWELL’S FOOTAGE.

The director and his team meticulously sifted through Treadwell’s extensive footage, condensing over 100 hours into a 103-minute documentary while planning their own shots and narration. Herzog was struck by the unexpected depth and intensity of the material.

"It was always evident to me that this wouldn’t be a film about wildlife but rather a profound exploration of human nature," Herzog told CHUD.com. "Treadwell is a deeply complex figure, riddled with self-doubt and grandiosity. He’s haunted by inner demons, experiences extreme mood swings, and oscillates between paranoia and clarity, all while believing in a mission he’s convinced is his destiny."

6. HERZOG NEVER INTENDED TO INCLUDE THE AUDIO OF TIMOTHY AND AMIE’S FINAL MOMENTS.

Before Herzog began the documentary, it was already known that Treadwell’s camera had recorded the audio of his and Huguenard’s deaths. Herzog couldn’t ignore this fact but chose not to include the actual audio in the film. After listening to it in the presence of Treadwell’s friend Jewel Palovak, he resolved to exclude it out of respect for the deceased and to avoid creating what he described as 'a snuff film.'

7. HERZOG LATER REGRETTED ADVISING JEWEL PALOVAK TO DESTROY THE TAPE.

Upon hearing the audio, Herzog’s immediate reaction was to advise Palovak to destroy the tapes. "But that was a mistake," he later told Paste. "It was foolish advice, born from the sheer shock of what I heard—it’s the most horrifying thing I’ve ever experienced." Instead, Palovak chose to store the tape in a bank vault.

8. AMIE HUGUENARD’S FAMILY DECLINED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DOCUMENTARY.

While the film includes interviews with Treadwell’s friends, Huguenard’s family is conspicuously absent. Their decision wasn’t directed at Herzog’s project but rather a choice to remain silent about Amie’s tragic death in all public contexts.

9. THE FILM DOESN’T FOCUS ON THE DANGERS OF BEARS.

The film’s core message can be overshadowed by the dramatic nature of Treadwell’s death, which might imply he was mistaken about bears being harmless. However, Herzog himself emphasized their general safety. "While there is some risk, it’s important not to overstate it," Herzog explained. "Grizzly bears rarely attack or kill humans. Since 1903, when records began in Alaska, there have been no more than 12 to 14 fatal incidents involving grizzlies." Herzog’s argument is that Treadwell’s error was believing nature could be controlled.

10. TREADWELL’S FRIENDS EXPECTED HE MIGHT DIE IN ALASKA, BUT NOT FROM A BEAR.

Herzog observed that Treadwell often expressed a desire to die in a confrontation with a bear, yet he never believed a bear would actually kill him. His friends shared this sentiment. "I thought he might injure himself—fall on rocks, break a bone, or drink contaminated water—but I never imagined a bear would take his life," Palovak said.