The video widely shared depicting a sloth bear attack, allegedly involving Kyle Thomas, is misleading. The scene is actually from a 2022 event in Tamil Nadu, India, where a man was attacked by a sloth bear, and not related to British wildlife content creator Kyle Thomas.

Despite the shock of the footage, Thomas is safe and continues to produce animal rescue and conservation content on his social media channels. The viral circulation of this video with incorrect claims has sparked baseless rumors of his death, debunked by numerous reliable sources.

Origin of the Viral Misinformation

The false rumors emerged when the 2022 bear attack video was wrongly linked to Kyle Thomas online. Social media posts with sensational headlines stirred panic among his followers, leading to the brief trending of #RIPKyleThomas.

No official news articles or fact-checking agencies have reported any such incident involving him. The misuse of the video as clickbait exemplifies how misinformation harnesses viral content to generate unnecessary anxiety 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 well. He continually shares content on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms about his animal rescue activities and wildlife conservation initiatives.

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.