Polk County Bear Attack Survivor Featured on Animal Planet

Susan Cenkus of Clyde, Ohio, survivor of the April 2006 bear attack at the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, will share her personal story of how she risked her own life to save those of her children on the Animal Planet’s I’m Alive, Friday, December 4 at 9 p.m.

Susan Cenkus and her son, Luke, and daughter, Elora, were hiking near the Chilhowee Campground near Benton Falls when they were attacked by a black bear. Cenkus’s six-year-old daughter Elora Petrosek was killed in the attack and Susan and Luke were flown by LIFE FORCE to Erlanger in critical condition. Both Susan and Luke continued to receive treatment for several weeks at Erlanger.

Susan has returned several times to the Chattanooga area over the past three years to thank all the many first responders and medical personnel that she credits for saving hers and Luke’s life.

Susan’s story will air Friday, December 4 at 9 and 11 p.m. on Animal Planet.