Bear suspected in deadly Yellowstone attack captured
JACKSON, Wyo. - Rangers have caught a grizzly bear that they believe was involved in the first fatal bear attack in Yellowstone National Park since 2011, a park spokeswoman said.
The man's body was found last Friday near Lake Village after he went hiking alone off-trail, without bear spray.
The National Park Service hasn't released his name, but says he was from Montana and was a five-year seasonal employee with a company contracted to operate medical clinics in the park.
Yellowstone spokeswoman Julena Campbell told CBS News they have captured a female adult bear who is likely responsible for the death of the hiker.
Yellowstone officials have sent DNA samples to a lab to determine if the bear was the attacker. Those DNA results will not be ready until tomorrow.
If the bear was involved, it will be put down, Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk said in a statement.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that the adult bear and at least one cub mauled the hiker. Campbell told the paper that the cubs, if captured, could be killed or adopted by a zoo or rehabilitation center.
The circumstances of the attack, which occurred off-trail about a half-mile from the popular Elephant Back Loop Trail, are unknown. The trail and surrounding area have been closed to the public until further notice.
Campbell said the man carried no pack or bear spray and did not disclose his plans to anyone.
Bruising around puncture wounds on the man's forearms suggested he had tried to defend himself, Campbell said.