NEWS: Grizzly attacks, kills hunter in National Park

A hunter has been killed by a grizzly bear in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska.  It marks the first time that a grizzly has killed a human in recorded history of the park. 

The identity of the hunter is being withheld at this time, but it is known that he and a friend were on a 10-day moose hunting trip.  The attack occurred Sunday near the Chisana River drainage area. 

The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve was established in December of 1980 and hosted over 79,000 visitors last year.  It is the largest National Park in the United States, and features 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the nation.

Hunters and park-goers are always told to bring food in bear-proof containers, pack bear spray, maintain a distance of at least 100 yards between themselves and bears, etc. 

Nevertheless, grizzly encounters cannot be entirely avoided.  A Montana hunter was also attacked last week.  This may be because bears are generally more likely to be active in the Fall as they prepare for hibernation. 

Click here for tips on how to survive a bear attack.