Yellowstone Hiker Killed by Mother Grizzly

The month before that, a different bear was responsible for the death of a hiker just east of Yellowstone park boundaries.

Now, another fatality has been reported, this time on a trail inside the park. On July 6, a man and his wife were hiking near Canyon Village when they startled a mother and her cubs. The bear charged, the man told his wife to run, and he was killed.

There are an estimated 600-1,000 grizzlies inhabiting the Yellowstone area. At the same time, a record 3.6 million people visited the park in 2010. Encounters are bound to happen.

As a hiker, your safety is your responsibility. Stay on marked trails, and never hike alone. Attach a bear bell to your pack or clothes to avoid a surprise point-blank run-in.

And carry bear spray. A $30 can could save your life.

* Story via The Australian