Editor’s Note: Grand Teton National Park Public Affairs Specialist Valerie Gohlke told Buckrail that the bear was not hazed in any fashion by park officials. The bear got up and walked off completely on her own, Gohlke said.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grizzly 610, offspring of global superstar Grizzly 399, was reportedly struck by a car in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) on Monday, Oct. 9.
According to Jackson Hole News & Guide (JHN&G), a grizzly bear was found lying by the side of the road inside the park, apparently having been hit by a vehicle. The scar on the bear’s eye and the three nearby yearling cubs suggest this was Grizzly 610.
Photographer Jacob Krank posted a photo of the bear lying near the road, writing in the photo’s caption that the bear stayed put for several hours before moving away.
“While only moving occasionally, her energy seemed to be waning until rangers on scene made the decision to haze her and her three cubs away from the roadside with a flashbang,” Krank wrote. “She and her cubs relocated to what will hopefully be safe grounds for the night.”
Per JHN&G, the incident occurred east of the park’s Moran entrance, and skid marks were found nearby.
GTNP Public Affairs Specialist Valerie Gohlke told JHN&G that Grizzly 610 wasn’t displaying any open wounds or clear signs of being wounded.
“She doesn’t have anything obvious,” Gohlke said. “She wasn’t dragging a leg, or limping on her paw. There’s nothing obvious that she has an injury.”
This is a developing story.
