Dive into the captivating world of Sue Aikens, whose daily life in the Alaskan wilderness makes for compelling viewing. She’s not just a TV personality; she’s a fierce, self-reliant survivor who runs a remote outpost near the Arctic Circle, constantly battling the elements, isolation, and dangerous wildlife.
Who is Sue Aikens?
Sue Aikens is an American reality television star, primarily known for her role in the National Geographic docuseries Life Below Zero, which showcases the demanding lives of people living in the remote areas of Alaska. She is the owner and sole resident of the Kavik River Camp, a small refueling and lodging station located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle on the North Slope.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sue moved to Alaska with her mother at the age of 12, beginning her lifelong relationship with the extreme northern environment. Her existence is a testament to extraordinary resilience and self-sufficiency, a life she openly states she chooses because she “craves extreme isolation.”
| Details | Infomation |
| Born | July 1, 1963 |
| Age (As of 2025) | 62 |
| Hometown | Born in Chicago, Illinois |
| Residence | Kavik River Camp, Alaska |
| Occupation | Proprietor of Kavik River Camp, Reality TV Star |
| Parents | Moved to Alaska with her mother at age 12. |
| Husband | Twice divorced; her second husband, Eddie James, passed away. |
| Children | Has two children (a son and a daughter) and grandchildren. |
| Height | Approximately 5’4″ (162 cm). |
| Status | Continues to operate Kavik River Camp and star in Life Below Zero. |
The Bear Attack and Her Unbreakable Journey
Sue Aikens’ journey of survival is defined by her nearly fatal encounter with a grizzly bear in 2007, years before Life Below Zero premiered. This incident encapsulates her incredible will to survive.
She was ambushed by a juvenile male grizzly while getting water at the Kavik River and sustained horrific injuries, including bite marks to her skull and dislocated hips. In a display of unmatched fortitude, she played submissive (an “alpha push” tactic), then managed to drag herself back to her cabin.
Unable to get a response for a rescue, Sue Aikens was forced into self-preservation mode. Critically, after locating and shooting the attacking bear, she used her gun belt to cinch her dislocated hips and manage her severe head wounds as best she could. While she is known to stitch her own minor injuries, the bear attack required professional medical intervention to realign her hips and treat her deep head wounds, which arrived after a pilot eventually found her ten days later.
Despite the near-death experience, she returned to Kavik River Camp and remains the sole owner and resident. Her motto, “If it hurts, don’t think about it,” is a powerful reflection of her mindset, which prioritizes survival and logic over fear.
The Harsh Reality of Kavik River Camp
Kavik River Camp, which Sue has managed for over 20 years, is a pivotal outpost for bush pilots, researchers, and self-guided hunters. The camp has no road access and serves as the only gas station on the eastern North Slope, making it a crucial waypoint.
Sue Aikens operates the camp and maintains the airstrip, dealing with extremes that include months of darkness and temperatures that can drop to 60 below zero with 60-mile-per-hour winds. She is constantly on the defensive, with dozens of grizzlies living within a 10-mile radius of her camp.
Her life is a continuous cycle of hunting, fetching water, repairing generators, and maintaining her structures—a demanding job she performs solo for the majority of the year.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Survivor
Sue Aikens has cemented her status as one of the most compelling figures in reality television, but her impact goes beyond entertainment. She embodies a relentless spirit of independence and adaptability that challenges the dependence of modern life. She is a true master of her domain, proving that the human spirit can thrive even in the most unforgiving corners of the world.
Also Read: The Creative Path of Amina Hachimura: Designer, Student, and NBA Sister.
