Man killed by grizzly bear near Yellowstone National Park
(Photo: Jackie Skaggs, USGS Public Affairs Officer)
A man who was fishing near Yellowstone National Park in Montana was attacked by a grizzly bear and later died.
Charles W. Mock IV, 40, died on Saturday at East Idaho Regional Medical Center from his injuries.
The Gallatin County Sheriff's office announced the death on Monday and said the attack had taken place last Thursday.
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Mock was fishing outside of West Yellowstone when the bear came upon him and attacked. The sheriff described the area as "an unknown food source" for the bear.
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Mock was alone and had bear spray with him but it was unclear whether he used it during the attack.
The 420-pound male bear was later shot and killed when it charged wildlife workers who were investigating the incident on Friday.
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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks division said investigators later found a moose carcass within 50 yards of Thursday’s attack. They said that indicated the bear was defending a food source during the attack.
Wildlife officials warned that recreationists, residents, and people who work outdoors to always be prepared for a surprise bear encounter. Activities that are deliberately quiet or fast-moving, such as hunting, mountain biking, or trail running, put people at greater risk for surprising a bear, they said.
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The National Park Service says that of 2019 there was an estimated 728 grizzly bears in the greater Yellowstone area. Males can weigh 200-700 pounds and females can weigh 200-400 pounds. They can run up to 40 mph.