Necropsy Results

Yellowstone Griz Died From Collision, Not Drowning

By Todd Wilkinson, 6-07-06

Late in May, a female grizzly bear of reproductive age was found dead along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Her cause of death had been a mystery. Now investigators think they know what happened. She was the first grizzly to die in the park since September 2004.

From a Yellowstone National Park press release:

Necropsy results indicate a grizzly bear found recently along the shores of Yellowstone Lake probably died after being struck by a vehicle.

Visitors reported finding a dead bear along the lake shore between the mouth of Pelican Creek and Storm Point on May 25. The female grizzly was about 10 years old and weighed around 200 pounds. The bear had bitten off part of its tongue and had a broken claw. Drowning was initially suspected as the cause of death.

Staff from the Yellowstone National Park Bear Management Office took the bear to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lab in Bozeman, Montana for a necropsy. Results show the grizzly died of severe blunt trauma to the left rib cage, internal bruising and bleeding which resulted in asphyxiation. It appears the bear died shortly after being injured.

Rangers did not find any skid marks or debris on the road near where the dead bear was found to indicate a collision had taken place. However, based on the available evidence, bear biologist Kerry Gunther believes the bear was struck by a vehicle, probably along the East Entrance road between Pelican Creek and Fishing Bridge, and died after making its way down to the lake shore to get water.

Anyone with information surrounding the death of this grizzly bear is asked to call the Park Tip Line at 307-344-2132. Callers can remain anonymous.

This is the first grizzly bear death reported in the park since September 2004. Park visitors and employees are encouraged to be especially cautious
and to slow down when driving through the park from dusk to dawn or in rain or snow, because it is more difficult to see wildlife under those
conditions. Drivers who accidentally strike an animal in the park are asked to report the incident at the nearest ranger station.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.