Hiker mauled by bear in "surprise encounter" in Wyoming mountains
Meeteetse, Wyo. — A hiker has been hospitalized after being mauled by a bear, believed to have been a grizzly, in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming, the state's Game and Fish agency said Tuesday, adding that it was a "surprise encounter."
The man, described by the agency as an "experienced out-of-state recreationalist," was hiking Monday at high elevation on Francs Peak, a 13,000-foot summit southeast of Yellowstone National Park, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said Tuesday.
The attack happened too quickly for the man to use the bear spray he was carrying, officials said.
The department didn't release the identity of the man, who was being treated at a hospital in Billings, Montana, but said a helicopter was used to transport him.
Game and Fish Regional Wildlife Supervisor Corey Class, reached by phone, declined to ask the hospital for the man's medical condition.
Department officials didn't plan to pursue the bear, according to the statement.