Bear Attack Kills Hiker In Yellowstone

A hiker found dead in Yellowstone National Park died from a bear attack, park officials said Monday.

The hiker was identified as 59-year-old John Wallace from Chassell, Mich.

Wallace?s body was found on Friday by two hikers along the Mary Mountain Trail. The 21-mile long trail crosses the center of Yellowstone, connecting the west and east sides of the lower portion of the Grand Loop Road.

Rangers found signs of grizzly bear activity, including bear tracks and scat, where Wallace?s body was found.

Wallace was hiking alone and had pitched a tent in a park campground sometime Wednesday.

Park rangers, wildlife biologists and park managers are continuing to investigate the incident.

The Mary Mountain Trail, the Cygnet Lakes Trail, and the section of the Hayden Valley west of the Grand Loop Road have been closed to hikers.

This is the second deadly bear attack in the park this year. Prior to July’s bear mauling, it had been more than 24 years since someone had died from a bear attack in the park.