Bear Grylls Says Boa Constrictor Choke Was The Scariest Moment Of His Career

Bear Grylls has claimed that getting choked out by a massive boa constrictor is the most terrifying thing that has happened to him in his entire career.

Ahead of the release of his new show Animals on the Loose, the 46-year-old adventurer who - let's not forget - has had a fair few scrapes in his time, said that his encounter with the eight-foot snake in South Africa was by far the most scared he's been.

Speaking to The Sun, Grylls said: "We were in this deep, dark, flooded ravine. We knew we had this big, maybe eight-foot, boa constrictor in there. They're incredibly dangerous and unpredictable.

"Once they wrap, you can't breathe or move, and if it takes you down you're in big trouble.

"I had two safety guys nearby, but they were on edge about doing it. They said, 'If this thing gets you underwater you'll be in trouble, fast'.

"I got in, couldn't touch the bottom, and suddenly I felt that thing grab me and start pulling me down. Then it got a grip around my neck.

"It caught me out. I hadn't anticipated how fast, powerful and heavy it would be.

"Every time I surfaced I saw the guys giving me the thumbs-down rescue signal, but I said no."

OK, but why would you say no to the help?

Because he's Bear Grylls, that's why.

He continued: "And then, just as it was squeezing me tighter, I thought, 'Oh no, actually I'm running out of breath here'. It was terrifying and very intense.

"I've never been so scared in my life. But like all these things, they happen fast and they don't last very long. I managed to break free.

"I look back on the many times in my life when I really should have died. I feel incredibly lucky to have survived."

This new show, by the way, is an interactive Netflix special that will see the viewers decide Grylls course of action as he attempts to cross a wild game reserve in South Africa, saving animals as he goes.

It's like one of those books where you have to turn to a certain page, but presumably with more real-world peril and a great deal more drama.

Grylls will attempt to save elephants from nefarious poachers, have close encounters with some of Africa's biggest and most dangerous animals, and - of course - eat some disgusting insect or other.

Animals on the Loose: A You vs. Wild Interactive Movie is available to watch on Netflix now.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, Netflix, Animals

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim