Cheyenne—A deer hunter was injured by a grizzly bear while hunting the Aldrich Creek drainage in the upper South Fork near Cody. The hunter, whose name is being withheld pending an investigation, is recovering at West Park Hospital in Cody.

The Cody hunter was walking alone when he encountered the bear.  During the attack, the hunter shot the bear several times, eventually killing the bear. Following the attack, the hunter walked a short distance where he was assisted by other hunters to a waiting ambulance.

WGFD personnel met the victim at the hospital and obtained details of the incident. Yesterday afternoon, WGFD personnel conducted a field investigation and necropsy at the incident site. They confirmed that the bear was a 10- to 12-year-old previously unmarked female in good condition. It appears that the bear was accompanied by two yearling cubs, which had left the area. Research indicates that yearling cubs have a high likelihood of survival on their own.

WGFD Cody Region Wildlife Supervisor Brian Nesvik says the incident appears to have been a surprise encounter in an area known to be inhabited by grizzlies.  Nesvik further added that at this point in the investigation, it appears that the bear exhibited normal behavior.

“Natural bear food availability fluctuates seasonally and from year to year. This year it appears that natural foods may be in short supply,” said Scott Talbott, assistant wildlife division chief for the WGFD. “In addition, grizzly bear abundance and distribution continue to grow throughout northwest Wyoming. We’re seeing bears in places we haven’t seen them before. We encourage hunters, homeowners and all recreationists to be aware of increased bear activity this fall.”
    
The WGFD encourages all outdoor enthusiasts in bear country to be Bear Aware and to carry a deterrent. For more information on safety in bear country, visit the WGFD website at http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/grizzlymanagement/index.asp

Posted By Erl Barsness, Northern Sports Network