JACKSON HOLE, WYO – After studying the scene where a 10-year-old boy was chased and injured by a bear in Yellowstone yesterday, authorities made the determination they would take no further action against the animal involved, including a search to find it.
Law enforcement and bear management staff investigated the incident and determined that it was an adult female grizzly bear that injured the 10-year-old boy from Washington. Tracks observed by staff indicated the grizzly bear was with at least one cub-of-the-year, or yearling bear. The bears were likely foraging next to the trail when the encounter occurred.
Park rangers do not intend to search for the bear since this incident was deemed a surprise encounter with a female grizzly bear defending its cub.
“This incident could have been more serious. We applaud the family for traveling in a group, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to effectively use it during their emergency,” said Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney. “We wish their son a full recovery from his injuries.”
The Divide and Spring Creek trails remain temporarily closed. They will reopen after the trails have been inspected for any recent bear activity.
