A female grizzly has been linked by DNA sampling to both of the maulings in Yellowstone National Park this past summer. The grizzly sow was captured with her cubs and was euthanized Sunday morning. Her cubs have been placed at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana.
After analyzing of genetic data found in bear hair and scat at the scene on Mary Mountain Trail where hiker John Wallace’s body was recovered August 26, officials linked that genetic date to thata found at the Waipti Lake Trail scene where hiker Brian Matayoshi’s body was discovered July 6.
According to Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk, the sow – which was between six and seven years old and 250 pounds – was euthanized to effectively prevent future attacks on visitors.
“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,” Wenk said in a press release Monday.
It is not yet conclusive that the euthanized sow was the only bear responsible or present at either scene. In the August 26 incident, officials concluded that there was much bear activity in the Mary Mountain Trail area, including up to nine bears feeding on two bison carcasses – one being as close as 150 yards to the scene. Seventeen grizzly “daybeds” were also located within the area.
DNA sampling and investigation is still continuing while officials are trying to determine other grizzly activity at either scene.
The two maulings are the first in 25 years within Yellowstone National Park.
While bear and all wild animal attacks are rare, all visitors are still advised to take proper safety precautions on all backcountry excursions and day-trips within the park.
This is crazy, killing a bear,, What is wrong with you people! When in there world they are the Boss! Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with people,, killing is not the answer!
It was a mother with her cubs – she is just doing what she is naturally supposed to do. I just don’t see killing her as the answer. This stinks!
My thanks to Yellowstone! I know it can’t be easy to make that the decision to euthanize a bear, but I appreciate the care you take to protect the PEOPLEW who come to visit the Park.
This is insanity because this line says it “It is not yet conclusive that the euthanized sow was the only bear responsible or present at either scene” So they killed a bear that may NOT be the bear! Great going up there. Whoever made this decision needs to be fired immediately. When people die by bear, it is always the person’s fault. You have idiots out there who think they can just charge wild animals and the animal will not retaliate. All animals have a fight or flight personality. If they can use flight, they will 100% of the time. They fight when they feel threatened or cornered. If I ever die by bear, I am in THEIR house and I deserved it if I did something stupid. Do NOT kill the bear. Relocate it if you MUST, but don’t kill it or put it in a cage. The story is more telling than the reporter intended I think.
Crazy is right..what is going on? What happened and where are the cubs now? Good job! Why was the guy hiking by himself anyway? Did he think he was invincible? What if that bear happened along after he was killed by a different bear.. Crazy people!
hikers accept this risk when they go into the woods in bear country. they can stay in their cars or watch old faithful all day if they want.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
You are all crazy! Too bad it did not eat someone you care about! Can you not read? The man was not hiking alone he was with his wife. The article says what happened to the cubs, they have been placed in west yellowstone. Too bad this guy was not exercising his right to carry he might still be among the living!