After an initial investigation into a hiker’s recent death, Yellowstone National Park officials are saying a bear was most likely involved in the tragic death of a Montana man, who was trekking on the Elephant Back Loop Trail near Lake Village on Friday. As of now, the man’s identity is being withheld while officials attempt to contact the deceased’s family.
According to the National Parks Service, the man was an experienced hiker who had previously spent 5 seasons working for the National Park. He was ultimately reported missing on Friday, when he did not show up for work. A park ranger subsequently found his body off the popular trail.
The scene was gore.
Half devoured, mangled, and mauled, the body looks to have been involved in an attack that included a mother grizzly and its “cub-of-the-year.”
If the bear is found and DNA confirms the mother bear’s involvement, the likely judgment would include euthanization. It is unclear whether the cub will be euthanized if its involvement in the attack is confirmed.
This is what Yellowstone National Park Superintended Dan Wenk had to say:
“We may not be able to conclusively determine the circumstances of this bear attack, but we will not risk public safety”
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim as they work to cope with the loss of someone who loved Yellowstone so very much.”
Elephant Back Loop Trail is closed until further noticed
Read the entire national park release here: Grizzly Bear Involved in Yellowstone Hiker’s Death