Timothy Treadwell may not have behaved in a traditional manner with wild animals, but throughout history many cultures have viewed animals in a much different sense than today’s society. His respect for the animals showed he knew right from wrong and the fact that he lived safely with them for summers on end showed he had enough common sense to stay safe. He shared his views openly and without worrying about approval from others. His car for his “family” of bears showed compassion and patience in an eccentric way, but yet a way, deep down, we all wish we had the courage to join him in.
Many people have tried to argue that Timothy Treadwell is in fact insane, but he has never really given any reason to doubt the sanity he displayed on numerous accounts. Treadwell never mistreated the bears nor did he ever provoke them in any way. He knew when to keep his distance and how to respond when they did become close. Treadwell also understood how dangerous his work was. He understood that he could have been killed at any moment, as he stated numerous times in his video footage. He did not fear dying with or for the bears, for his only motivation in life was to be the “protector of the bears”.
“We all wish we had the courage to join him in.” I think you’re right; the majority of people, at some point in their lives, want to be part of the natural world, moving among animals as an equal and friend. This impulse contributes to the popularity of people like Treadwell and Steve Irwin. (25/25)