Grizzly bear killed after attack near Yellowstone National Park

A grizzly bear that attacked a 40-year-old man Thursday outside Yellowstone National Park was shot and killed the next day as wildlife officials investigated the scene.

The attack occurred south of Baker’s Hole Campground, three miles north of the town of West Yellowstone and the park’s West Entrance.

The unidentified man, who was transferred to Idaho Falls for treatment, was in serious condition as of late Friday. He was in possession of bear spray but it remained unclear whether any spray was used against the bear.

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department explained in a news release that seven investigators, including bear specialists, visited the attack site Friday and were met by a charging bear.

“Despite multiple attempts by all seven people to haze away the bear, it continued its charge,” the agency stated. “Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and died about 20 yards from the group. The bear was an older-age male grizzly.”

A moose carcass was discovered nearby, indicating that the bear was trying to defend its food source.

A safety closure remained in effect in the area as of late Friday.

With grizzly bears emerging from hibernation, and with warmer weather inviting more tourists into bear country, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks used the incident to remind visitors to follow these guidelines while in the wilderness:

• Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign.
• Read signs at trailheads and stay on trails. Be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
• Carry bear spray. Know how to use it and be prepared to deploy it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service