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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Investigators: Fleeing may have triggered Yellowstone grizzly attack

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS -- Investigators say a fatal bear mauling in Yellowstone National Park was possibly triggered by the California victim and his wife screaming and yelling as they ran from an approaching grizzly mother with cubs, according to an Associated Press report.

New details in the July 6 mauling of 57-year-old Brian Matayoshi emerged today as authorities released 911 recordings and investigative documents. Hikers who reported the attack can be heard on the recording saying they heard screaming and animal noises from the direction of the encounter.

A short time later, a lone female voice was heard calling for help.

Heading into bear country?

Click here for good information on hiking, hunting and traveling in grizzly country.

Idaho Fish and Game also has tips for hunting and camping in carnivore country on its Grizzly Bear webpage.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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