[crispsquirrel]

I thought the berries just weakened him rather than killed him outright. In his weakened state he was unable to go forage for food and due to his malnourished state (especially lack of fats) could have died from the cold just as easy. I need to re-read the book though it has been a long time, I really enjoyed it and I remember having a feeling of understanding and agreeing with his way of life thanks to problems I had at the time with major depression. I remember I even planned to leave everything behind and go and head to Alaska to try and see what he saw before I probably died myself.