Grizzly Dies On Yellowstone Highway

Yellowstone National Park reports that the first vehicle-caused grizzly bear mortality occurred last week involving a 15 to 25 year old male bear.  According to park biologists, the driver was en route from Old Faithful to Canyon Village when the accident occurred and reported to the Canyon Ranger Station that the bear limped off the road after being struck.  The accident occurred at 2:00 am Thursday morning on the Grand Loop Road near Fountain Paint Pot drive north of the Midway Geyser Basin. After an unsuccessful attempt by rangers to locate the bear Thursday, it was found dead Friday in a ditch near the Fountain Paint Pot drive by a park visitor. Members of Yellowstone’s bear management team were then called in to collect, analyze and dispose of the bear.  Park rangers point out that more than 100 large animals are killed in the park each year after being struck by vehicles.  Visitors are encouraged to look for and expect wildlife along the roadside, follow the posted speed limit, and increase caution at night or during poor weather.