YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. –- Results from a genetic DNA analysis of bear hair samples confirmed the adult female grizzly captured Monday, Aug. 10 by Yellowstone Park Rangers was the bear involved in the death of 63-year-old Lance Crosby.
The adult female grizzly was euthanized today, according to a Yellowstone National Park news release.
Crosby, of Billings, Mont., was a long-term seasonal employee of Medcor, which operates under three urgent care clinics in the park.
Additional evidence that this female was the bear involved in the attack include the bear and cubs were at the attack site when Crosby’s body was found; bear tracks of a female with cubs were found at the body; the female grizzly was captured at the fatality site within 24 hours of the body being found; and canine puncture wounds inflicted on the victim are consistent with the bite size of the female captured at the site.
A factor in the decision to euthanize the bear was that a significant portion of the body was consumed and cached with the intent to return for further feeding.
Normal defensive attacks by female bears defending their young do not involve consumption of the victim’s body, according to the news release.
Arrangements have been made to transfer the two cubs to a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“Our decision takes into account the facts of the case, the goals of the bear management program, and the long-term viability of the grizzly bear population as a whole, rather than an individual bear,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk in a news release.
The area closures, including the Elephant Back Loop Trail and Natural Bridge Trail will be lifted on Friday, Aug. 14.
RELATED CONTENT
Autopsy Confirms Grizzly Killed Yellowstone Hiker
Third Grizzly Captured in Yellowstone After Fatal Attack
Victim of Grizzly Bear Attack Identified
The post Female grizzly euthanized after positive DNA test appeared first on East Idaho News.
