A 35-year-old man from Massachusetts was seriously injured in a grizzly bear attack in Grand Teton National Park on Sunday afternoon.
A grizzly bear attacked and seriously injured a man in western Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, prompting the closure of a mountain there on Monday.
The grizzly was one of two that surprised the 35-year-old man from Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon on Signal Mountain. Rescuers flew the injured man by helicopter to an ambulance that drove him to a nearby hospital.
He was expected to recover, park officials said in a statement, declining to identify him.
The statement did not detail the man's injuries or say how he encountered the bear. Park officials closed a trail and the road to an overlook atop the 7,700-foot (2,300-meter) mountain.
The attack happened as Grand Teton and nearby Yellowstone National Park begin their busy summer tourist season.
Several such attacks occur each year as the region's grizzly population has grown. Park officials urge people to give bears plenty of space, carry bear spray and avoid leaving out food that might attract bears.
In 2021, a grizzly bear attacked and killed a hiker in Grand Teton National Park. The bear was later euthanized.
In 2016, a grizzly bear injured a man and his daughter in Yellowstone National Park. The man later died from his injuries.
Grizzly bears are large, powerful animals that can weigh up to 800 pounds. They are territorial and can be aggressive when they feel threatened.
If you encounter a grizzly bear, park officials recommend that you:
* Stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements.
* Talk to the bear in a low voice and back away slowly.
* If the bear charges, drop your pack and run away.
* Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
* Store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers.
* Avoid hiking alone in areas where bears are known to live.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of a bear attack.
