(UPDATE) Victim has been identified - click here.
A woman was found dead near West Yellowstone following an apparent bear encounter, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
FWP said in a news release that at about 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, game wardens were notified that a hiker had found a woman dead on the trail, about eight miles west of West Yellowstone.
FWP wardens and bear specialists, along with staff from other agencies, found that the woman had wounds consistent with a bear attack. They also found tracks from an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub near the site.
The hiker was believed to be alone during the encounter, and no bear spray or firearms were found at the scene.
Wildlife officials did not see any bears or signs of a day bed or animal carcass during the investigation.
The Custer Gallatin National Forest implemented an emergency closure of the area as a safety precaution. FWP bear specialists and game wardens notified residents and visitors nearby of the bear activity and the U.S. Forest Service closure. They then began conducting capture operations due to the incident’s proximity to residences, campgrounds and a high-use OHV trail system.
No bears have been captured to date. FWP staff also searched the area from an aircraft and did not locate any bears.
The incident is being investigated by FWP and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The identity of the woman has not yet been released, nor have any other details about the incident.
We will update you when we get more information.
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