Visitor Mauled by Grizzly Bear in Grand Teton National Park

On Sunday, May 19, a visitor exploring Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park was seriously mauled by a grizzly bear. Fortunately, the 35-year-old man from Massachusetts is expected to make a full recovery.

Grizzly Bear Mauls Visitor in Grand Teton National Park, Park Management Says

On the afternoon of Sunday, May 19, Teton Interagency Dispatch received a report of a 35-year-old male visitor from Massachusetts who was seriously injured by a bear in the area of the Signal Mountain Summit Road, the park said in a statement.

Grand Teton National Park rangers and Teton County Search and Rescue personnel responded to the scene to provide emergency medical care and air lifted the patient via helicopter to an awaiting ambulance where he was transported to St. John’s Hospital.

On Monday, May 20, the park said the patient is in stable condition and is expected to fully recover.

Based on initial reports from the injured visitor and preliminary information conducted as part of an ongoing investigation of the site, law enforcement rangers and park biologists believe the incident was a surprise encounter with two grizzly bears, with one of the bears contacting and injuring the visitor.

The Signal Mountain Summit Road and Signal Mountain Trail are currently closed to all public entry.

Grizzly Bear Safety in Grand Teton National Park

Grizzlies are very active in spring, a time of year when they essentially eat everything they can find after coming out of hibernation. Grizzly sows may also have cubs, which can make (surprise) encounters extremely dangerous.

It’s important to realize that grizzlies are present all throughout Grand Teton National Park, even in busier areas like Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Jenny Lake. It’s crucial to carry bear spray at all times when outside and to know how to use it correctly.

Please refer to this blog post for essential grizzly bear safety tips.