Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is facing a unique situation after a grizzly bear attacked a hiker, only to accidentally spray itself with bear repellent. The bear will not be captured or killed by wildlife authorities as it is believed it may have been acting to protect its cub during the encounter. The incident occurred on Signal Mountain, where the hiker managed to survive and receive medical attention after the bear fled following the unexpected burst of pepper spray.
The 35-year-old Massachusetts man, who was bitten by the grizzly, pretended to be dead during the attack and was able to escape to safety before being hospitalized. Park officials have decided to keep Signal Mountain and the trail to its summit closed following the incident, a common practice after grizzly attacks in the region. The decision not to pursue the bears was based on their natural behavior and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Despite carrying bear repellent spray and making noise to alert bears in the forest, the victim was still attacked by the grizzly. The man reported encountering a small bear that quickly ran away before a larger bear charged at him, leading to the attack. After biting the man several times, the bear bit into the can of pepper spray, causing it to disperse and scare off the bears.
Following the attack, the man was able to call for help and was evacuated by helicopter and ambulance to a nearby hospital. Investigators suspect that the smaller bear observed by the victim was an older cub belonging to the female grizzly that attacked him. Mother bears are known to fiercely protect their offspring, which could explain the bear’s aggressive behavior during the encounter.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed by park officials, is expected to fully recover from the attack. While rangers typically track and study bears in the Yellowstone region, they were not familiar with the bears involved in this incident. The decision to let the bears roam free was based on their natural behavior and the lack of factors that would typically make bears more dangerous, such as raiding campsites or consuming human food left out.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of wildlife and taking precautions when venturing into bear country. The park continues to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of visitors while also respecting the natural habitat of the bears in Grand Teton National Park.