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Teton sees record rescues

A helicopter rescue is seen in 2003 at Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
A helicopter rescue is seen in 2003 at Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. (Associated Press)

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – Major searches and rescues at Grand Teton National Park hit a single-year record last week.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that park officials aren’t sure yet why there were so many rescues this year.

The record was eclipsed Aug. 20 when climber Lauren McLean of Lake Oswego, Ore., became the 31st major rescue since the park’s fiscal year began Oct. 1. McLean fell 20 to 30 feet because her belay system failed.

The busy year started right away for the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers. Twelve major rescues were performed during the winter and early spring months.

Full-time ranger Chris Harder told the newspaper rangers normally perform three to four major rescues during the winter.