Victim Can’T Sue Over Bear Attack

Sun., Nov. 7, 1999

From Staff

A man mauled by a grizzly bear in 1992 will not be able to sue the Wyoming Game and Fish Department over his injuries, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled this week.

Clayton Peterson Jr. filed a complaint against the agency and some of its officers, claiming the bear was part of a livestock interaction study being conducted by the Game and Fish Department, and the agency failed to adequately supervise or monitor the bear.

It attacked him while he was hunting elk in Teton County. Peterson shot the bear during the attack.

The court ruled Peterson cannot sue the department, because bear management officers can claim immunity from legal action.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.