Wildlife authorities have reported that a woman has been killed in a bear attack that is suspected. Grizzly bear tracks were reportedly discovered by rangers close to a hiking trail in West Yellowstone, Montana.
The woman’s body was discovered on Saturday after an “apparent” run-in with a grizzly bear, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks investigators, who have not yet determined what exactly killed her.
Officials closed the Buttermilk Trail after finding the woman’s remains and warned other hikers to stay away from the area. Wildlife authorities have also cautioned outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions to prevent potential bear attacks.
Traveling in groups, having a bear spray on hand, and never approaching bears are all advice for hikers. They should make noise in difficult-to-hear places like forests and stay away from animal carcass sites.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, hikers have also been advised to know the difference between grizzly and black bears and never feed the animals.
The alleged bear attack occurs just one month after Steven Jackson was mauled by a black bear while enjoying his morning coffee at a campsite.
The attack was described as “uncommon and unusual” by police at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona, who also claimed that it was unprovoked.
Jackson, 66, was mauled to death after being dragged 75 feet down an embankment by a bear. The bear was being chased by neighbors who were shouting and honking their cars in a desperate attempt to stop it.
Police reported that after a neighbor shot the bear with his rifle, the bear let go of its victim.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Darren Tucker described the attack as unusual, noting that there have been no reports of bears acting aggressively or dangerously nearby.
“These are exceedingly rare circumstances and we haven’t seen this before,” Sheriff David Rhodes said.
The bear was found to be in “good condition” and not starving after a necropsy was performed.
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