Grizzly-human encounters on track to break records in 2020

JACKSON HOLE, WY — The Yellowstone region has seen seven documented grizzly bear encounters resulting in injuries so far in 2020, breaking the record. The previous record for the same period was in 2007, when three grizzly-human encounters resulted in injuries.

Roaring Grizzly Bear

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported that Frank van Manen, supervisor of a grizzly bear study team, said there is usually just one interaction where a person is hurt in the first six months of any year. Data from the interagency team going back to 1992 shows that 17% of injury-induced interactions occur in the first six months of the year compared to hunting seasons in September and October. 

If the rest of 2020 follows historical trends, once hunting season opens, there will likely be an increase in grizzly-related bear injuries. 

Grizzly Bear

Leave a Comment Here

Your comment will not appear until we have reviewed and approved it.