A Massachusetts man is lucky to be alive after a harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The 35-year-old's weekend turned nightmarish when he was seriously injured by the bear in the vicinity of Signal Mountain Summit Road, according to park officials. The victim, who has not been named, was rescued and is now in stable condition, with expectations for a full recovery.
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon and prompted a swift response from Grand Teton National Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue, as reporyted by Boston.com. Following the attack, the man was flown to St. John’s Health in Jackson, Wyoming, located approximately 40 miles south of the attack site.
Park officials, by their initial assessment, think it was a surprise confrontation with two grizzly bears, with only one making contact and injuring the man. "If you see a bear, please give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away," park officials cautioned, as stated in the reports by NBC Boston and other outlets. The area where the confrontation took place, Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail, remain closed as of Monday.
The National Park Service has reiterated recommendations on how to avoid risky encounters with bears, including advice to never leave food unattended and to keep campsites clean. In a statement snagged by WHDH, park officials added that visitors should, "use caution, stay alert, and be prepared." They suggest hiking in groups, making noise, and being equipped with bear spray as precautionary measures.
