The widely circulated video that purportedly shows a sloth bear attack involving Kyle Thomas is misleading. The footage actually depicts a 2022 incident in Tamil Nadu, India, where a man was attacked by a sloth bear. This incident did not involve the British wildlife content creator Kyle Thomas.

Despite the video’s graphic nature, Thomas is well and continues to produce content focused on animal rescue and conservation on his social media platforms. The viral spread of this footage, paired with false claims, has sparked unfounded rumors regarding his death, which multiple credible sources have debunked.

Origin of the Viral Misinformation

These rumors began when the 2022 bear attack video resurfaced and was mistakenly linked to Kyle Thomas. Social media posts with sensational captions caused alarm among his fans, briefly leading to hashtags like #RIPKyleThomas trending.

No official news outlets or fact-checking organizations confirmed any such incident involving him. The video’s use as a clickbait tool has been a classic example of misinformation exploiting viral content, causing unwarranted alarm and confusion.

SAD NEWS: Kyle Thomas, UK TikTok animal rescuer, tragically killed by Sloth Bear during wildlife filming — millions of fans in shock and awaiting updates… pic.twitter.com/EwXeIc6O3L

— AppleSeed (@AppleSeedTX) October 5, 2025

Kyle Thomas’s Current Status and Online Presence

Kyle Thomas remains active and healthy. He regularly posts on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms about his animal rescue missions and wildlife conservation efforts.

Since starting in 2019, he has gained millions of followers worldwide, known especially for his engaging pet and wildlife videos. His ongoing work and engagement with fans on social media serve as living proof against the false rumors of his death.

Impact of Viral Fake News on Public Perception

This incident highlights the dangers of misinformation on social media. Viral clips without verified context can rapidly spread and be misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary fear and distress. The Kyle Thomas sloth bear attack rumor underscores the importance of fact-checking before sharing viral claims, especially those involving public figures and sensitive subjects like wildlife attacks. Such misinformation not only damages reputations but also undermines genuine wildlife education efforts.

To avoid falling victim to misleading viral content, viewers should check the source and date of videos, look for official statements from the involved parties, and rely on trusted news outlets. Cross-referencing multiple reliable sources is essential before accepting or sharing sensational claims online. In cases like the Kyle Thomas rumor, direct confirmation from the face or their team on verified accounts is the most reliable method to confirm authenticity.