Death Sentence to Grizzly who attacked a man in Yellowstone

[downtoearth]

This is local to me and a hot topic of discussion.  Many of us are sad that the bear (and maybe her cubs also) was euthanized over one human attack and I have heard some of the criticisms discussed in this article about the hiker/runner who died also.

For info on the attack details, go here: www.cnn.com/2015/08/13/us/yellowstone-grizzly-bear-put-down-hiker-attack-feat/

But I really liked this (opinion post below) take on the deaths (Crosby's and the grizzly's) because it keeps a lot of the struggle between wild and humans in perspective.

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Death of a Man. . . Death of a Bear

August 13, 2015 ~ Lodge Trail


by Keith R. Crowley

Trying to make sense of last week’s fatal Grizzly bear attack on a hiker in Yellowstone National Park and its aftermath is a fool’s errand. But this fool is going to try anyway.

This kind of story wrenches its way deep into the psyche of all who spend time in the wilds. And it certainly wrenched its way deep into my soul since I spend months each year in Yellowstone and the surrounding Grizzly Country.

To make it even more personal, I, like many of my colleagues, came to “know” the bear believed to be involved in the attack.

I put “know” in quotes because it’s a fallacy to think we can really know a wild animal. There is simply no way to get inside their heads. Hell, most of us don’t even understand our own pets’ behavior very well, so we can forget about predicting a wild grizzly’s intent or motivation.

In the case of this particular bear, she is a 20 year old sow many of us call “Blaze.” In her two decades she has never been known to be aggressive toward people. In fact, she is remarkably tolerant given some of the situations she’s found herself in. She has lived out her life in areas of high visibility in the park and therefore drew crowds for years on end. She has raised many cubs, and she never got into serious trouble.

But then, for reasons unknown, she killed Lance Crosby and consumed part of him. She cached his body (buried it under debris to protect it from other predators) for later feedings, and she stayed in the immediate area. And she did this with her cubs present.

It is a worst-case scenario in the world of wildlife management. There can be no winners here.


Many “experts” immediately came out of the woodwork to explain that grizzlies don’t see humans as food; that this attack was purely a defensive, instinctual reaction by a sow grizzly protecting her cubs.

True, most bear attacks are defensive, and when the bear determines that the threat is gone they leave the area. But that’s not what happened to Crosby. This particular bear most certainly saw him as food.

Personally, I can’t imagine wild grizzly bears differentiating much between different types of prey. Elk, bison, deer, humans – all are potential meals. Because of generations of persecution, bears are naturally more fearful of humans, but like any apex predator they’ll eat whatever they can catch.

Whether this change from defender to predator happened during the initial attack on Crosby, or immediately afterward is irrelevant. It ended with the bear consuming a person. That’s the line in the sand which cannot be crossed. Humanity has a long policy of destroying man-eaters – justly or not.

In a place like Yellowstone, even habituated animals that have not actually attacked anyone are sometimes put down. The mantra there is “a fed bear is a dead bear.” This bear had no chance from the moment she fed on the body.

The particulars of this recent attack will always be shrouded in mystery because there were no witnesses. So the National Park Service investigators treat the area where the body was found as a crime scene. A lot of forensic evidence was, is, and will be gathered by investigators. A very detailed report about the evidence will eventually be generated.

The documentation regarding the park’s last grizzly-caused deaths, in 2011, is amazingly detailed. The rangers and scientists who investigated that scene, (many of the same people are working on this one, ) generated reams of data about the attack, and the final report on John Wallace’s death is lengthy.

There appear to be some similarities with the current fatality, although until a report like the one linked above is released, we can only speculate.

Speculation is, of course, often wrong and rarely helpful.

Blaze – the Yellowstone Grizzly bear sow believed responsible for the recent death of a hiker, stands with her cubs over an elk carcass cached for later consumption. May, 2015.

There are “experts” who speculate that just because the bear cached the body doesn’t mean that it now views people as a food source. But that is specious reasoning at it’s worst.

What the caching here definitively proves is that this particular bear viewed at least one human as a food source. And that means the bear must be removed.

Did the bear deserve to die? Of course not. This grizzly was only doing what bears do. There is no justice in removing the bear, and her cubs, and destroying any of them.

And the wildlife managers who must do the deed will gain no joy from the experience.


It’s insulting and contemptible to suggest that people who have devoted their professional lives to wildlife have anything but the deepest respect for animals. The very last thing they want to do is kill the creatures they are trying to preserve.

That dedication to the science of wildlife does, however, mean that they must sometimes make tough choices. And those tough choices are difficult to explain the public. But if the professionals don’t make the hard decisions, the potential downside is too great.

We know about that downside because when John Wallace was killed by a Yellowstone grizzly in August of 2011, the bear deemed responsible had been involved in another fatality two months earlier.

At that time, the Yellowstone Bear Management lead, Kerry Gunther, didn’t believe the situation warranted euthanizing the bear known as the “Wapiti sow.” His team let her go on her way because he had good evidence at the site of Brian Matayoshi’s death that this was a defensive attack. He also had an eyewitness. Matayoshi’s wife, Marylyn, was attacked in the same incident and she watched her husband die a few yards away.

8 weeks later came the Wallace attack. How would you like that hanging over your head?

Those 2011 incidents certainly weighed heavily on Gunther and all the management people involved in the recent situation. The potential backlash (read: lawsuits for wrongful death) was simply too great if they decided to let this bear live and something happened again.

So, for the second time in a few weeks, I find myself in a position I don’t care for – attempting to be a voice of reason in a grave wildlife matter. Frankly, I don’t like it. And I know it will make me some enemies.

Like anyone else, I would prefer to rant, rave, cry, throw my hands in the air, point fingers, complain, and scream. But those things aren’t helpful at all. In fact, they’re counter-productive.

While many will blame Gunther, Park Superintendent Dan Wenk, and their colleagues for the death of the grizzly, some are content to place the blame on Mr. Crosby, a contract park employee and regular hiker who “should’ve known better.”

I’ve heard him called an “idiot”, “stupid”, “an asshole”, and several people have said he “deserved to be killed” by the bear because he invaded her home. It’s disturbing how callous some people can be.

Many have said that Crosby shouldn’t have been off trail, and that he broke all the rules about living in bear country.

On the first point, I will say that despite everything you hear out there on social media, Yellowstone National Park was NOT created so bears would have a place to live unaffected by humans. The purpose and intent of the park’s creators couldn’t possibly be any more clearly spelled out in the 1872 act which created it – and it is literally carved in stone on the Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance. The park was created “FOR THE BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE”.

Inscription on the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National park

Yellowstone was created specifically to give us a place to experience the natural wonders which exist there in Yellowstone and nowhere else. That means people, within some limitations, get to enjoy the park as they wish.

Some want to see the park from the roads, and from inside their vehicles; some like to hike on well-worn paths; some ride horses into the backcountry; some will choose to go off-trail on foot. I, and many, many others, enjoy all of the above.

There is no right way to experience Yellowstone. Just because someone chooses to go off-trail doesn’t make them a villain.


That Yellowstone has become a de facto wildlife refuge is a great joy to me and millions of others. Many of us go there specifically because there are bears, and wolves, and moose, and bison living on the incredible landscape. But, everyone who goes there should do so with the full knowledge that these things, and many others, can kill us.

They should all know that the animals, the terrain, the weather, the thermals, and especially the traffic there, are all potentially dangerous. We just need to be aware.

That is the one place where the park has failed miserably. Far, far too many people view Yellowstone as the world’s largest drive-through zoo.


This brings me to the second point about Lance Crosby’s death: Yes, it appears he did ignore some rules.

First, he was alone when he was attacked. With or without bears, travelling alone in wild places is riskier than travelling in groups. But I understand the appeal of getting off the trail, and the solitude gained by doing so. There is great value in experiencing wilderness on your own.

Furthermore, being off trail isn’t necessarily more dangerous than being “on-trail.” All of Yellowstone is Bear Country, not just the off-trail areas.

Last May, many fellow wildlife photographers and I watched another park employee have a close call with Blaze and her cubs. The employee was simply out for a run along the shore of Yellowstone Lake near the Lake Hotel.

Grizzly sow known as “Blaze” in Yellowstone, May 2014.

He ran down the lakeshore, turned inland on a trail and ran to within 50 or 60 yards of Blaze and her then tiny cubs, all hidden in the chest high sage brush.

When the runner realized that there was a large group of photographers a couple hundred yards off and looking his way, he knew something was up. He wisely slowed to a walk and backed out of the area.

Blaze undoubtedly knew he was there, and she did nothing. Wild animals are unpredictable.

I approached the runner minutes later and asked if he knew there was a Grizzly sow with cubs in the area. He didn’t. Until he saw us, he had no idea how close he was to potential disaster. He couldn’t have. Had he not seen us, he told me, he would have continued his run right into her and the cubs.

That situation could have easily become another Yellowstone bear attack, and if it had, I doubt anyone present would have blamed the runner. Lots of park employees and park visitors run, jog, and stroll through that area each and every day. It’s a well-established route that doesn’t look like “Bear Country”, and I have yet to see anyone carrying bear spray there.

Had Blaze attacked this young man, it would have just been a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The internet would have blown up with accusations and insults, but those of us who spend much time there know how easily things can go wrong for no particular reason.

So, why is everyone so quick to blame Mr. Crosby?

Because this whole thing sucks and people need someone to blame, justly or not.

Mr. Crosby chose to be alone in Yellowstone and it cost him his life. It cost a grizzly its life, and may cost the cubs their lives, too. There is no justice to be had here.

Many bad things can happen when you’re alone, but so can many really good ones. Simply being alone in the park cannot be allowed to become a crime.

And the next mistake? We will never know if Crosby was making noise to alert unseen bears of his presence, but it doesn’t appear that he was carrying bear spray when he was attacked. If he was out for a run, as some reports suggest, he probably didn’t bring the spray with him. It may have saved him and the bears, but maybe not.

Personally, I always carry it when I’m out of my vehicle, but I know that bear spray is not a guaranteed solution to a Grizzly attack.

In 2013, two off-duty park employees on a hike ran into another sow grizzly with cubs. Both used bear spray, and both were still injured by the bear. I’d rather have the spray than not have it, but I don’t fool myself that it’s totally effective either.

And to be honest, lots of people who do carry the spray wouldn’t be able to use it effectively in a crisis situation anyway. An instructional video on YouTube is helpful, but it’s no training for a real bear attack.

Going off trail alone is not a mistake, it’s a choice. And it’s not against the rules – for now. It may be more inherently dangerous than staying with a group in a busy area, but again, some go to Yellowstone to get away from other people.

Frankly, you, me, Crosby, Wallace, the Matayoshis; indeed everyone who enters Yellowstone, could do absolutely everything right and still be attacked by a Grizzly. Just as there is no point in blaming the bears, there is no point blaming the victims. If you really need to blame someone, blame lawyers – they’re used to it.

In the end, a Yellowstone grizzly sow with young cubs – a bear many of us looked forward to seeing and wondering at each year- killed, ate and cached a human being. And she stayed to feed on the body again. Sadly, there was no choice to be made.

Rest well, Mr. Crosby. Rest well, Blaze.

lodgetrailmedia.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/death-of-a-man-death-of-a-bear/

[osulori]

I'm sad for all parties involved-I feel like there was no "right" answer. I did hear that the cubs will be going to the Toledo Zoo instead of being euthanized, lemme find a link.

ETA: found it.  abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ohio-zoo-cubs-bear-killed-yellowstone-hiker-33080877

[elleblue]

So damn tragic. For both Lance Crosby and Blaze.

[penguingrrl]

That's so sad. I can understand why wildlife officials made the decision they did, especially in light of the incidents in 2011. I feel bad for everyone involved.

[aurora]

Having spent a lot of time in bear country (including grizzlies), I have a lot of respect for them. I've fortunately never had such a close encounter where I felt threatened, but I also know that part of the reason for that is that the bears I have encountered are afraid of humans. It would be a lot different if I knew our policy was to do nothing about grizzlies that have actually killed and eaten humans - totally changes the relationship they have with us.

I do agree with everyone, though, that there could be no possible good outcome to this story.

[Daria Morgandorffer]

Noooo! And they're sending her cubs to the frickin ZOO!! This is awful.

[mcsangel2]

Aug 14, 2015 13:50:43 GMT -5 Daria Morgandorffer said:

Noooo! And they're sending her cubs to the frickin ZOO!! This is awful.

If it's either this or euthanize them, I'd rather the zoo. I can only speculate that it has to be one of those options, and that they can't be allowed to live free because there is concern that they will imitate the mama bear's behavior with humans.

[gibbinator]

It does suck for both sides. Not an easy decision but probably the right one. Once an animal knows it can kill and eat us, there's nothing stopping her next time she's hungry. It's what animals do. I can't get too up in arms about this, though it's certainly sad there wasn't a better option.

I'm glad the cubs won't be euthanized.

[niemand88f]

Aug 14, 2015 14:29:42 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Aug 14, 2015 13:50:43 GMT -5 Daria Morgandorffer said:

Noooo! And they're sending her cubs to the frickin ZOO!! This is awful.

If it's either this or euthanize them, I'd rather the zoo. I can only speculate that it has to be one of those options, and that they can't be allowed to live free because there is concern that they will imitate the mama bear's behavior with humans.

It's not really that - it's that they're too young to survive on their own, bear cubs need to be with their mom for at least 2 years. See the article osulori linked

[asilsjf]

Not to criticize the dead, but this guy working in the park for 5 years means he knew better. He put the bears at risk too. I get that it was a tough decision, but this is why people need to follow the rules.

rant over.

[meshaliuknits]

Aug 14, 2015 17:18:29 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Aug 14, 2015 14:29:42 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

If it's either this or euthanize them, I'd rather the zoo. I can only speculate that it has to be one of those options, and that they can't be allowed to live free because there is concern that they will imitate the mama bear's behavior with humans.

It's not really that - it's that they're too young to survive on their own, bear cubs need to be with their mom for at least 2 years. See the article osulori linked

Are they doing that thing where they release them back into the wild when they should be able to fend for themselves? Or are they too young?

[aurora]

Aug 14, 2015 17:30:44 GMT -5 asilsjf said:

Not to criticize the dead, but this guy working in the park for 5 years means he knew better. He put the bears at risk too. I get that it was a tough decision, but this is why people need to follow the rules.

rant over.

Wait, what rule(s) did he break?

[bears]

Aug 14, 2015 18:58:13 GMT -5 aurora said:

Aug 14, 2015 17:30:44 GMT -5 asilsjf said:

Not to criticize the dead, but this guy working in the park for 5 years means he knew better. He put the bears at risk too. I get that it was a tough decision, but this is why people need to follow the rules.

rant over.

Wait, what rule(s) did he break?

To go alone in the backwoods without bear spray?

I don't agree with that assessment.

[cattledogkisses]

It doesn't appear that he broke any rules. I'm assuming people are referring to his choosing to hike alone, but this paragraph specifies that that's not against the rules:


Going off trail alone is not a mistake, it’s a choice. And it’s not against the rules – for now. It may be more inherently dangerous than staying with a group in a busy area, but again, some go to Yellowstone to get away from other people.

Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/469938/death-sentence-grizzly-attacked-yellowstone#ixzz3iqKByQ8C


I don't think he deserves blame for this. It was simply a tragic circumstance that, as the author pointed out, could have happened anywhere in the park.

[LoveTrains]

Aug 14, 2015 17:18:29 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Aug 14, 2015 14:29:42 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

If it's either this or euthanize them, I'd rather the zoo. I can only speculate that it has to be one of those options, and that they can't be allowed to live free because there is concern that they will imitate the mama bear's behavior with humans.

It's not really that - it's that they're too young to survive on their own, bear cubs need to be with their mom for at least 2 years. See the article osulori linked

Can't they go to a wildlife rehabilitate? We had this bear guy who does this for black bear cubs give a talk. Ben Kilham out of NH.

[MrsAxilla]

Aug 14, 2015 17:30:44 GMT -5 asilsjf said:

Not to criticize the dead, but this guy working in the park for 5 years means he knew better. He put the bears at risk too. I get that it was a tough decision, but this is why people need to follow the rules.

rant over.

Did you read the article?  Not being alone isn't a Rule, it's a safety "rule" - a guideline.  It's not the smartest thing to do, but plenty of people do it it all the time.  In fact, many people go to Yellowstone and other parks and wilderness areas specifically to be alone.  As a five year park employee, he no doubt knew exactly what the dangers were.

[asilsjf]

Im actually a former yellowstone employee. Lived there for 5 years. He should have had bear spray. He shouldnt have gone off the trail in that area (its a known bear area) and he shouldnt have been alone. Had he done just one of those three diffeently, he might be alive and so would the bear.

[asilsjf]

The last time i was in yellowstone (2 weeks ago) there were posted signs in that area that said to stay on the trails. Thats the rule i was referring to.

[RoxMonster]

I just feel nothing but sympathy for the guy. I am an avid hiker (though I have not been to Yellowstone yet, but am dying to go) and hike by myself all the time. Yes, the smarter decision might be staying on the trail, carrying bear spray, not going out into the backcountry alone, etc. But I am not going to point fingers at this guy because he didn't do all those things. It was a tragic accident.

When we went to the Smokies last year, one of the really popular trails/scenic drive areas had just been closed before we got there because a bear chased after a woman there. On a super popular trail with lots of people around. She didn't do anything "wrong" and it was luck that she was able to get away from it. She was also with a group of people (according to the news articles I read on it) who stood there as she was being followed by the bear because, really, what are you going to do? I think they were yelling/making loud noises and it didn't give a shit. All this to say, you could do everything "right" and still get killed by a bear. I think it's a risk (usually a small one) we all take when going out into the wilderness with bears in the vicinity.

Honestly, it sounds like he might have had his guard down because he is so used to the area, and that might be why he didn't think he needed the bear spray, etc. And we have no way of knowing if the bear spray or staying on the trail or whatever would have saved his life. I just hate blaming this guy for what boils down to a tragic accident.

[NewOrleans]

You will never be able to convince me the bear needed to die.

No opinion on the hiker other than I am sorry he met his end.

[foundmylazybum]

Aug 14, 2015 13:50:43 GMT -5 Daria Morgandorffer said:

Noooo! And they're sending her cubs to the frickin ZOO!! This is awful.

Zoos aren't that bad. It's not like they got the news it was off to the circus. Or worse, euthanized.