UPDATE: Search and rescue operations underway following a bear attack

UPDATE 9/16/18 2:27 p.m.: Wyoming officials have trapped and killed two grizzly bears they believe killed Mark Uptain.

Game and Fish Department regional supervisor Brad Hovinga says the grizzlies that were killed matched the description of those that killed Uptain.

Hovinga says the bears were a sow and its grown cub and were not behaving noraml.

The bears were not feeding on the elk or guarding the meet that the hunter and Uptain had killed.

UPDATE 09/15/18 4:10 p.m.: Mark Uptain was discovered deceased this afternoon at approximately 1:15pm by Search & Rescue personnel.

Official cause of death will be determined by the Teton County Coroner’s office.

ORIGINAL: Teton County Search and Rescue are seeking an elk hunting tour guide after a bear attack.

Corey Chubon of Florida, shot an elk during a guided bow hunt late Thursday afternoon. He and his guide, Mark Uptain of Martin Outfitters, could not find the wounded animal before nightfall.

The two went back on Friday morning to find and remove the elk. They found the undisturbed carcass in the afternoon and were preparing to pack out the elk when they were aggressively charged by two large bears.

Chubon ran to his pack gear a few yards away and retrieve a pistol but could not safely fire a shot at the bear that had struck Uptain.

The attacking bear then spun and charged at Chubon, grabbing his foot, and dragging him to the ground. He sustained injuries to his leg, chest, and arm, but was able to throw the gun to Uptain and get loose before running to call for help.

Teton County say the second bear did not engage either Chubon or Uptain.

An interagency helicopter was dispatched to the scene to assist with transport of the injured hunters.

Chubon was taken to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for treatment to his wounds.

Search and Rescue personnel were unable to locate Uptain before the search was suspended for the evening.

An interagency team from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Grand Teton National Park, and Bridger-Teton National Forest continued search at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Game wardens are looking for evidence that may indicate if the bears were grizzlies.

“Search and Rescue is currently in the field, and we’re making every effort to locate and bring Mr. Uptain out from the backcountry,” said Undersheriff Matt Carrin in a press release.

Ground and air resources are being used for the search.

Teton County says that other hunters in the area should be aware of the search and rescue operations and the recent bear activity.