The Yellowstone grizzly bear that was suspected to have killed a hiker in Yellowstone National Park last week was put down on Thursday after autopsy results confirmed the killing, reported CNN. Lance Crosby, 63, died of injuries sustained from the female grizzly bear.
Two grizzly cubs were captured with her and are currently being taken to a safe facility that is approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mother and the cubs also fed on the body, reported Gawker.
The association released a statement on Thursday detailing the reasons for the euthanizing.
"An important fact in the decision to euthanize the bear was that a significant portion of the (hiker's) body was consumed and cached with the intent to return for further feeding," it said. "Normal defensive attacks by female bears defending their young do not involve consumption of the victim's body."
Prior to the autopsy, park officials suspected the bear had killed Crosby due to DNA that was found next to his body, as well as bear tracks that were found in the proximity.
After the attack, the female grizzly was caught in a trap that was set by wildlife biologists after Crosby was reported missing, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Crosby's body was found Friday night near the Elephant Back Loop Trail, which has been closed along with the Nature Bridge Trail since the attack. Both locations will reopen on Friday.
