Grizzly Captured, But Link To Hiker Death Unknown
Yellowstone National Park officials have captured a grizzly bear, but a park spokesman says they are unclear whether it is the bruin responsible for a Michigan hiker’s death last week.
Spokesman Al Nash says the 420-pound male was trapped Friday near the site of the attack. Officials plan to take hair samples, collar it and then release it back into the park.
Nash says if the DNA matches that of hair samples found at the site, and additional evidence links the grizzly to 59-year-old John Wallace’s death, the bear will be found and killed.
The body of the Chassell, Mich., man was discovered a week ago in a backcountry area known for its high population of bears. It was the second fatal bear attack in the park this summer.
