Sue Aikens, a renowned survivalist and star of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, faced a life-threatening bear attack in 2007 while living at her remote Kavik River Camp in Alaska. At age 44, she was mauled by a grizzly bear, sustaining severe injuries but demonstrating remarkable resilience by surviving 10 days alone before rescue. This article delves into her bear attack story, age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, and dating history, offering fresh insights into her extraordinary life. With updated 2025 information, we explore her enduring legacy and lessons from living in Alaska’s harsh wilderness.
The 2007 Bear Attack: A Fight for Survival
In 2007, Sue Aikens, then 44 years old, was at her Kavik River Camp, 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle, when a grizzly bear attacked her while she was pumping water from the river. The bear, which she had previously observed burying caribou near her camp, ambushed her after she set her rifle down to operate the pump. The attack left her with dislocated hips, bite wounds to her head, and severe trauma. Displaying extraordinary courage, Sue played docile during the attack, a risky move that likely saved her life by signaling submission to the bear’s dominance display.
After the bear retreated, Sue stitched her own wounds, tracked and killed the bear to prevent further threats, and dragged herself back to her cabin. For 10 days, she endured excruciating pain, unable to contact help due to limited communication options. A pilot eventually noticed her camp’s abandoned appearance and rescued her, airlifting her to Fairbanks for emergency treatment. She underwent spinal surgery in Portland and made a full recovery, though she still carries scars. “You can still feel where his teeth went into my head,” she shared in a 2024 interview on The Joe Rogan Experience (available on Spotify).
This incident, featured in Life Below Zero’s special episode “The Accident,” highlights Sue’s survival instincts and her philosophy: “If you live my lifestyle, you must be comfortable with your own death.” Her story resonates with audiences searching for real-world survival case studies, offering lessons in resilience and preparation.
Sue Aikens’ Biography: Age, Height, Weight, and More
Sue Aikens, born on July 1, 1963, is 62 years old as of 2025. Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches and weighing around 140 pounds after a significant 75-pound weight loss in 2018, she transformed her health following injuries from the bear attack and a 2017 snowmachine crash. Her weight loss was motivated by a desire to maintain strength for her demanding lifestyle, as she explained in a 2022 Monsters & Critics interview (Monsters & Critics).
Below is a comprehensive biography table summarizing key details about Sue Aikens:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Aikens |
| Age | 62 (born July 1, 1963) |
| Birthplace | Mount Prospect, Chicago, Illinois |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 140 pounds (approx., post-2018 weight loss) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Survivalist, Owner of Kavik River Camp |
| Known For | Life Below Zero, Surviving 2007 Bear Attack |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $600,000 |
| Salary | Approximately $200,000 per year from Life Below Zero |
| Marital Status | Divorced (three marriages) |
| Children | Two adult children (son and daughter) |
| Grandchildren | Two (grandson and granddaughter) |
| Current Residence | Kavik River Camp, Alaska |
| Social Media | Instagram: @sueaikens, Twitter: @SueAikens |
| Education | Lowell Whiteman School, completed high school early |
This table provides a snapshot for readers seeking quick facts about Sue’s age, height, weight, and more, aligning with common search queries.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in the Wilderness
As of 2025, Sue Aikens’ net worth is estimated at $600,000, primarily earned through her role on Life Below Zero and her ownership of Kavik River Camp. Her salary from the show is reported to be around $200,000 annually, making her one of the highest-paid cast members. The camp, charging $350 per day for visitors, generates significant income during the hunting season (June to September). Unlike many reality stars, Sue’s wealth comes from her self-reliant lifestyle, not endorsements or fleeting fame. Her financial independence reflects her ability to thrive in isolation, a unique angle for readers interested in off-grid living.
Married Life and Dating: A Personal Journey Through Loss
Sue Aikens’ married life has been marked by resilience and heartbreak. She has been married three times, with two husbands passing away and the third leaving for a younger woman. Her first husband died of a brain tumor, and her second, Eddie James Aikens, whom she married in 1987, passed away after their 2004 divorce. The third marriage ended in betrayal, as her husband left while she cared for her grandson during his cancer treatment. As of 2025, Sue is not dating and embraces her solitude, stating, “I’m my own best company” in a 2023 Instagram post (@sueaikens).
Sue has two adult children—a son and a daughter—and two grandchildren. Despite living far from her family, she maintains close ties via satellite phone and occasional visits. Her story of balancing independence with family love offers a fresh perspective for readers curious about her personal life.
Life Lessons from Sue Aikens: Resilience and Self-Reliance
Sue’s bear attack and subsequent survival offer profound lessons. Her decision to play docile during the attack was informed by years of wilderness experience, a strategy not typically recommended but effective in her case. This highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior, a tip for outdoor enthusiasts. Her 10-day wait for rescue underscores the need for robust communication systems in remote areas—modern satellite technology could have expedited her rescue.
In 2017, Sue sued Life Below Zero producers for endangering her during a staged snowmachine crash, as detailed in a SuperbHub article (SuperbHub). This lawsuit reflects her advocacy for safety in reality TV, a rarely discussed aspect of her story. Her ongoing health challenges, including a 2023 neck surgery for a herniated disc, show her commitment to physical resilience, inspiring those facing chronic pain.
Why Sue Aikens’ Story Matters in 2025
Sue Aikens remains a symbol of grit and independence. Her bear attack survival, coupled with her age-defying energy at 62, net worth of $600,000, and unapologetic embrace of solitude, make her a unique figure. Unlike many survivalists, she blends raw courage with vulnerability, as seen in her emotional 2023 Instagram post about losing her mother and granddaughter (@sueaikens). For more on her life, visit her Wikipedia page.
Her story teaches that survival is not just physical but mental. Sue’s ability to laugh in the face of danger—whether a bear attack or personal loss—offers a blueprint for resilience. As she continues to thrive at Kavik, her legacy inspires those searching for strength in adversity.
