A tragic incident unfolded as a woman lost her life due to a bear attack near the renowned Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred on a trail located to the west of the park, in the serene wilderness of the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks released an official statement on Sunday confirming the woman’s death. She was discovered lifeless in the vicinity of West Yellowstone, a picturesque town nestled within the breathtaking Custer Gallatin National Forest, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park.
According to the authorities, the woman’s untimely demise resulted from an encounter with a grizzly bear while she was out hiking. The investigation revealed grizzly bear tracks at the scene, pointing to an apparent bear encounter as the likely cause of the tragedy. However, the department has not yet confirmed the exact cause of her death, and the investigation into the grizzly bear attack is still ongoing.
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Montana has been witnessing a surge in its grizzly bear population, leading to an increase in sightings. In response to this trend, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks had issued a news release last week, alerting visitors about confirmed grizzly bear sightings across the state, especially in the areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Great Yellowstone ecosystems.
As authorities continue their efforts to ensure public safety, they urge visitors and campers to take necessary precautions. Carrying bear spray, securely storing food while outdoors, and properly disposing of rubbish are strongly advised to minimize potential risks.
On average, Yellowstone experiences one bear attack per year. In 2011 and 2015, the park witnessed separate incidents where three individuals lost their lives due to bear encounters. However, it’s worth noting that more fatalities have occurred from drowning or suffering thermal burns caused by hot springs than from aggressive bear incidents. More bear safety info can be found at the official website, nps.gov.
