MA Man Seriously Injured In Bear Attack While Visiting Wyoming

MASSACHUSETTS — A 35-year-old Massachusetts man was seriously injured Sunday afternoon after being attacked by two bears while visiting Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, according to the National Park Service.

The attack occurred near Signal Mountain Summit Road, after which the man was given emergency medical care at the scene before being airlifted to an ambulance and then driven to the hospital, officials said.

"Based on initial reports from the injured visitor and preliminary information conducted as part of an ongoing investigation of the site, law enforcement rangers and park biologists believe the incident was a surprise encounter with two grizzly bears, with one of the bears contacting and injuring the visitor," according to the National Park Service.

The man is in stable condition and is expected to recover fully, officials said.

Meanwhile, Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail are closed to all public entry.

To prevent bear attacks, the National Park Service suggests that visitors do the following:

• Never leave your food unattended unless it is properly secured.
• Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
• Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.
• Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.
• Please respect all wildlife closure areas.
• If you see a bear, please give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch or photograph the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens. Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted.

And if they are exploring the backcountry:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
• Hike in groups of three or more people.
• Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

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