Bears Found Dead in Yellowstone National Park

Two bears were found dead in Yellowstone National Park located near Fishing Bridge, sparking concern about worries over increased bear to human contact, and the carrying of bear spray for safety.

A brown adult male, weighing a staggering 576 ½ pounds, was found dead about 50 yards off the road; the second grizzly bear, a sub-adult black bear that only weighed a mere 79 pounds was found in a ditch next to a road of Fishing Bridge. Yellowstone National Park believes that this bear was hit and subsequently killed by a vehicle; however no one has yet reported the accident.

According to the park, there have been four black bears killed this year within the park. Two, which were problem bears, were euthanized, while two others were killed by motor vehicle accidents. This year three bears were killed inside the park, including one in a trapping accident, one death that is still unknown, and another by a vehicle.

The result of these deaths is because the production of whitebark pine cones has been low this year. The seed that is found in these cones is a particular favorite fall food for bears. Unfortunately when there is a decline in the seeds, more bears are typically seen to eat more roots and meat.

As a result of this diet shift the bears will feed at lower elevations where there is generally more human activity, which ultimately means that sooner or later the chances of bear to human contact, in addition to human deaths caused by bears, increases.

Yellowstone National Park has reminded people that the park rules require people to stay 100 yards away from grizzly and black bears at all times. Not only that, but visitors should keep garbage, food, and barbecue grills, to name a few attractions, stored away in bear-proof food storage boxes. These boxes prevent bears from becoming used to human food, while also maintaining park safety for the visitors and its property.

The park also encourages any backpackers and hikers to stay in groups of three or more, to keep their eyes peeled for bears, and to make plenty of noise on the trails. Additionally, bear spray has proven time and again that it is an effective line of defense against bears, and should be kept close by in case its assistance is needed, while making sure to utilize it within 30 to 40 feet of a bear.