Killer Grizzly Bear captured and euthanized in Yellowstone Park
by Yellowstone National Park
October 4, 2011
A grizzly bear sow and two cubs captured by Yellowstone National Park staff have been linked to the scene of the recent mauling death of a hiker in the Hayden Valley. Results from genetic (DNA) tests obtained from bear hair and scat samples indicate the 250-pound, 6 to 7 year-old sow was present at the scene on the Mary Mountain Trail where hiker John Wallace’s body was recovered August 26.
This is the same bear that was responsible for the death of hiker Brian Matayoshi during a defensive attack on July 6 on the Wapiti Lake Trail. Rangers and an Interagency Board of Review determined Mr. Matayoshi’s death near Canyon Village on the Wapiti Lake Trail resulted from a defensive attack by the sow protecting her cubs.
"We will more than likely never know what role, if any, the sow might have played in Mr. Wallace’s death due to the lack of witnesses and presence of multiple bears at the incident scene," said Superintendent Dan Wenk. "But because the DNA analysis indicates the same bear was present at the scene of both fatalities, we euthanized her to eliminate the risk of future interaction with Yellowstone visitors and staff."
The adult female grizzly was captured on Wednesday, September 28. Her two cubs were captured Thursday, September 29 and placed in the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana. The sow was euthanized on Sunday morning, October 2. Grizzly bear cubs typically adapt successfully to captivity. Adult bears that are removed from the wild do not adapt well to captivity.
In the Wallace incident, Yellowstone officials determined that at least nine grizzly bears were feeding on two bison carcasses in the area, including one carcass which was located 150 yards from where Mr. Wallace was hiking alone on the Mary Mountain Trail. Seventeen bear "daybeds" were also found in the same vicinity.
Capture operations, reconnaissance flights, and DNA sampling and testing will continue through the fall. Any future management decisions will be made on a case by case basis for any additional bears that are captured and provide a DNA link to the scene.
Hikers are encouraged to travel in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, and carry bear spray. Visitors are reminded that park regulations require people to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other large animals.
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