Grizzly attack suspected in death of woman on trail near Yellowstone, officials say

UPDATE: The woman, identified by her family as a 47-year-old ex-teacher from Kansas, had injuries consistent with a bear attack, Montana officials said.

The original story is below.



A woman died in an apparent bear attack on a trail west of Yellowstone National Park in Montana, wildlife officials reported.

The woman’s body was found on the Buttermilk Trail near the town of West Yellowstone on the morning of Saturday, July 22, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a news release.

Investigators confirmed grizzly bear tracks were found at the scene, the agency said. An investigation into the death continues.

An emergency closure has been issued for the Buttermilk area by the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The closure runs through Aug. 25 unless rescinded.

The order prohibits all human entry, rangers said.

Bears can be found throughout Montana, and the grizzly population has expanded in recent years, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

• Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

• Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

• Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

• Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

• Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

• Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

• Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

• Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

• Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

• Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

This story was originally published July 23, 2023 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Grizzly attack suspected in death of woman on trail near Yellowstone, officials say."