Rangers Will Not Hunt Down Grizzly That Injured Boy

  • Park rangers do not intend to search for an adult female grizzly bear that injured the 10-year-old boy from Washington on Thursday since the incident was a surprise encounter with a female grizzly bear defending its cub.
  • Law enforcement and bear management staff investigated the incident and determined that
  • Tracks observed by staff indicated the grizzly bear was with at least one cub-of-the-year or yearling bear.
  • The bears were likely foraging next to the trail when the encounter occurred.
  • “This incident could have been more serious. We applaud the family for traveling in a group, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to effectively use it during their emergency,” said Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney. “We wish their son a full recovery from his injuries.”
  • The Divide and Spring Creek trails remain temporarily closed. They will reopen after the trails have been inspected for recent bear activity.