MISSOULA, Mont. (KECI) — A 35-year-old Massachusetts man was seriously hurt when he was attacked by a grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, according to wildlife officials.
The National Park Service said the man had "a surprise encounter" with two grizzlies on Sunday afternoon in the Signal Mountain Summit Road area.
Rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue responded to provide medical attention. The patient was airlifted via helicopter to an ambulance, and then taken to the hospital.
Based on initial reports from the injured visitor and preliminary information conducted as part of an ongoing investigation of the site, law enforcement rangers and park biologists believe the incident was a surprise encounter with two grizzly bears, with one of the bears contacting and injuring the visitor," the National Park Service noted in a news release.The Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail were closed to the public following the attack.
The National Park Service shared the following tips to prevent human-bear conflicts:
- Never leave food unattended unless it is properly secured.
- Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
- Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.
- Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.
- Please respect all wildlife closure areas.
The agency also urged people to be alert and aware of their surroundings, hike in groups of three or more, as well as carry bear spray.
If anyone encounters a bear, the agency said to make noise and avoid running. Instead, it's best to back away slowly.
If you see a bear, please give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch or photograph the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens," according to the release. "Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted."The man is being treated at St. John’s Hospital, where he is in stable condition. He is expected to fully recover, the release noted.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The National Desk's Jessica A. Botelho contributed to this report.
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