October 11, 2010
Grizzly injures hunter west of Cody
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the report of a bear-caused human injury west of Cody. The report indicated that a hunter was injured early in the afternoon of October 7, 2010, by a grizzly bear while hunting near Jim Mountain. The hunter received injuries to his right arm.
Initial information indicates that the bear was shot and killed by the hunter after the attack occurred. The hunter was hunting with a partner; the partner was not in the immediate vicinity of the encounter.
After walking out three miles to the trailhead and driving himself to Cody, the hunter was admitted to West Park Hospital and remained in the hospital overnight for observation.
Game and Fish personnel are currently conducting an investigation of the incident. No further information is available at this time; however, additional information will become available once the pending nature of the investigation is concluded.
“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