Carl McCunn (January 25, 1947 – c. December 1981) was an American wildlife photographer who became stranded in the Alaskan wilderness and eventually committed suicide when he ran out of supplies.

He was raised in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from high school in 1964, and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after dropping out of community college.

Believing he would not need them, he prematurely disposed of five boxes of shotgun shells in the river near his camp.

[5]: 174  The inbound air taxi pilot later testified, "We had instructions he was to be picked up by a friend of his before winter set in, with a float plane.

"[5]: 179  As the weather grew colder and McCunn's supplies began running low in early August, when the expected plane had not arrived, he wrote in his diary, "I think I should have used more foresight about arranging my departure.

He shot ducks and muskrats and tried drying the meat of a caribou he observed die in the lake.

McCunn had also told his father not to be concerned if he did not return at the end of the summer, as he might stay later in the season if things went well.

An Alaska State Trooper flew over the lake in late August and observed McCunn's campsite.

[1][7] McCunn later wrote in his diary: "I recall raising my right hand, shoulder high and shaking my fist on the plane's second pass.

"[3][7] Afterward, McCunn discovered a small cache of supplies, including rabbit snares and a few bits of candles, while digging a shallow trench to prepare for winter.

Game became increasingly scarce, and McCunn set snares for rabbits, but the traps were frequently raided by wolves and foxes.

He considered trying to walk to Fort Yukon, approximately 75 miles (121 km) away, but was unable to make the trek due to snow and his weakened condition.

[2][9] A prolonged period of cold weather sapped his energy and motivation, and after developing frostbite in his hands, he lost the dexterity required to set his snares.

They say it doesn’t hurt ... * * *  If my body has been eaten on or if it turns out I take my own life ... just put me under a tree so I can at least make a decent meal for some critter.

"[7] By January 19, McCunn's friends became concerned enough to request the authorities begin a search for him; bad weather kept authorities from flying until January 26, when a state trooper flew over McCunn's campsite, seeing no signs of life with the ambient temperature at −46 °F (−43 °C).

[5]: 179  On February 2, 1982, a ski-equipped plane carrying several State Troopers landed at the lake to check McCunn's campsite.

They found his tent zipped shut and, upon cutting it open, discovered his corpse, emaciated and frozen, along with his 100-page diary.

[4][11] McCunn's father Donovan gave Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reporter Kris Capps access to the diary and two rolls of film.