MOOSE, Wyo. — A man was airlifted to the hospital after an encounter with a grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park.
The National Park Service said a 35-year-old visitor was seriously injured by a bear Sunday afternoon in the area of Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Grand Teton National Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue personnel responded to the scene to provide emergency medical care.
The man, a visitor from Massachusetts, was air lifted on a helicopter to an ambulance where he was transported to St. John’s Hospital in Jackson, Wyoming. The man is in stable condition and is expected to fully recover, according to the National Park Service.
Based on initial reports from the man and preliminary information conducted as part of an ongoing investigation of the site, rangers and park biologists believe the incident was a surprise encounter with two grizzly bears, with one of the bears injuring the man.
The National Park Service said, as of Monday afternoon, Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail were closed to public entry.
Grand Teton National Park visitors are asked to be "bear aware" in the park as bear hibernation has ended.
Tips to prevent human/bear conflicts
- Keep garbage in a well-secured enclosure.
- Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup; bring empty cans back inside before dark.
- Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster. These are available online or from your trash hauler.
- Clean all garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free. The scent of ammonia can deter bears.
- Take down all bird feeders. Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Birds have naturally available food sources during the spring, summer and fall. Don’t let your bird feeder become a bear feeder.
- Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside – never provide food sources for any wildlife.
- Install and test your electric fencing to protect your chicken coops, bee hives or even livestock enclosures.
- Clean all BBQ grills.
- Keep garage doors and windows closed and locked, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum, or even scented hand lotions in your car; and always lock vehicle doors.
- Use bear boxes or bear-proof containers for food and scented items when camping.
- Don't leave food outside while camping. If bear boxes aren't available, buy your own bear canister or leave all food in the trunk of a locked vehicle as your last resort.
- Buy an air horn or bear spray. These tools are good to have whether for your home or if you go hiking and camping. They can help haze bears away.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
- Hike in groups of three or more people.
- Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.
- If you see a bear, please give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Animals and Wildlife
9NEWS+
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.