Wyoming game officials unsure of type of bear in attack

Published 10:39 pm Friday, September 14, 2018

CODY, Wyo. — Wyoming wildlife managers said they are unable to determine what type of bear attacked a Minnesota hiker last weekend, although they suspect it was a grizzly bear

Authorities said 48-year-old Bradley D. Johnson of Plymouth received severe injuries to his arm, shoulder and back when he encountered a bear on Sept. 9 in the Beartooth Mountains near the Wyoming-Montana border.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said its investigation found evidence that multiple bears had been in the area where the attack occurred.

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Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor Dan Smith said the investigation indicates that the incident was an unfortunate case of a surprise encounter that occurred at close range and that the bear probably was protecting a food source.