Woman Dead Over Suspected Bear Attack Near Yellowstone Park

Wildlife officials found a woman dead on Saturday, July 22, over a suspected bear attack near Yellowstone National Park.

The authorities are still investigating the recent incident.

Suspected Bear Attack Near Yellowstone Park

Bear Yellowstone Park — A Grizzly bear cub runs after its mother after exiting Pelican Creek October 8, 2012 in the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. It was established in 1872. Yellowstone extends through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park's name is derived from the Yellowstone River, which runs through the park. KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images

As per a report by Kiro 7, the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks disclosed in a press release that they found a dead woman's body on the Buttermilk Trail close to West Yellowstone in Montana.

In a recent Facebook post, the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks revealed that "a woman was found deceased" due to what appears to be a bear encounter on the Buttermilk Trail. The investigators at the scene confirmed witnessing grizzly bear tracks on the site where the dead body lay.

Besides the ongoing investigation of the scene, the Custer Gallatin National Forest issued an emergency close of the Buttermilk area for human safety after the incident. Officials are now urging park visitors to stay away from the area where they found the dead body.

According to ABC News, the temporary closure spans roughly 8 miles from West Yellowstone.

As of this writing, the authorities were elusive on the details of the recent victim. The deceased victim's name, age, or location have yet to be disclosed.

Grizzly Bears in Montana

The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks stated that grizzly bear populations have ballooned these days. The wildlife officials stress, "Bears can be found throughout Montana."

ABC News pointed out a grizzly bear attack killed a 66-year-old man in Arizona last month or in June. However, the officials ruled out the incident as "highly unusual" since it was an unprovoked attack.

Last March, as Fox Weather Online reports, Yellowstone National Park warned visitors about the dangers of encountering bears after the first sighting for 2023.

The Yellowstone bear management biologist Kerry Gunter reminded "Spring visitors skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in Yellow National Park" to "carry bear spray." On top of that, he also encourages them to be alert for any bears in areas with early spring green-up and carcasses. Gunter explains these are the "first foods sought out by grizzlies after emerging from hibernations."

Meanwhile, the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks encouraged visitors nearby the areas with potential bears to travel in groups or during daylight hours if possible. As an added precaution, officials also encouraged people to watch out for any signs of bears. It is best to pay attention to any torn-up logs, diggings, and turned-over rocks. These signs suggest that a bear is within the vicinity.

Wildlife officials add that making noises could also alert bears that you are nearby. And when visitors encounter a bear, officials ask everyone to avoid approaching the mammal to prevent attacks.