MORAN, Wyo. — A man was attacked by a bear in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) on the afternoon of Sunday, May 19, GTNP Chief of Staff Jeremy Barnum has confirmed to Buckrail.
GTNP rangers and wildlife biologists were still investigating the scene on Monday morning. The park shared an update around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
The victim has been identified as a 35-year-old man visiting from Massachusetts. GTNP’s announcement said he was “seriously injured by a bear” in the area of the Signal Mountain Summit Road. Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue personnel responded to the situation and used the TCSAR helicopter to transport the man to an ambulance, and then to St. John’s Hospital. As of Monday afternoon, GTNP says the patient is in stable condition and “is expected to fully recover.”
“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,” GTNP’s news release said.
The Summit Road had been closed to vehicles due to remaining snow at higher elevations. Following the attack, the entire Signal Mountain area (both the road and the hiking trail) east of Teton Park Road remain closed to public entry.
“We’re just glad the person is stable and getting the help they need,” Barnum told Buckrail on Monday morning.
GTNP shared the following bear safety tips for backcountry users:
- Be alert and aware of 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 in the event of a bear encounter.
