Wyoming hunting guide fatally mauled by grizzly bears

[Fred Gunner]

A Wyoming hunting guide was fatally mauled and his client was injured when a pair of grizzly bears attacked them Friday, officials said.

Authorities later euthanized two grizzly bears, a mother and a cub, who wildlife managers believe killed guide Mark Uptain and wounded his client Corey Chubon near the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks border, according to USA Today.

“All available evidence indicates that these two bears were the bears involved in the Terrace Mountain attack,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department spokeswoman Rebekah Fitzgerald said in a statement Sunday.

Uptan and Chubon were attacked by bears as they field dressed the elk they had shot Thursday but were only able to find Friday, officials said. The bears “aggressively charged” the men and didn’t touch the dead elk, Teton County officials said.

The deadly incident came weeks after a federal judge halted Wyoming state officials’ plans to hold a grizzly hunt this month, according to USA Today. The hunt was put on hold until Oct. 1.

“I can only imagine how horrific this was,” Sy Gilliland, a hunting guide and spokesman for grizzly hunters in the area, told the newspaper. “You've got a bear population that's basically un-hunted, is an apex predator, and has no fear of humans.”

Upton was a father of five, authorities said. A GoFundMe page was launched to help his family.

“I have been best friends with Sarah (Uptain’s wife) since the 2nd grade, we have done a lot of life together,” Rauli Perry, a family friend, wrote on the page. “I know I can’t take away the pain, but if we can help support Sarah to be able to focus on the kids and not worry about finances.“

https://www.gofundme.com/mark-uptain

 

[Fred Gunner]

According to Buckrail.com, Chubon was able to retrieve a pistol from his pack just a few yards away, but was unable to safely fire a shot at the bear that was attacking Uptain. The grizzly then charged and drug Chubon to the ground, leaving him with injuries to his leg, chest and arm. Chubon told authorities he was able to throw his gun to Uptain before fleeing the scene to call for help.

A helicopter was dispatched to the scene to assist with the transport of the injured hunters, and Chubon was taken to St. John’s Medical Center for treatment. The body of Uptain was discovered at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 15, about a quarter-mile northwest of where he and Chubon were attacked.

 

[JPbowhunter]

Very sad, my thoughts go out to his family and friends

disappointingly the same people opposing the bear hunt because they don't like killing will likely celebrate a thing like this.

 

[johnnyblues]

Having hunted and killed a grizzly I can only imagine the terror that man went thru. Very very sad. My condolences to the family.

 

[BenKK]

Very sad.

 

[PARA45]

That is terrible. Our condolences and prayers to his family.

 

[flatwater bill]

There is a reasonable chance that this man would be alive today if the bears were hunted....even hunted a little bit. I hope the Federal judge........one of a group of people who evidently know exactly what is best for all of us......reflects on this sad event.....................FWB

 

[cagkt3]

Thoughts and prayers to the family

 

[gillettehunter]

Truly a terrible thing to have happen..... Grizzly bears are so unpredictable.
Bruce

 

[CAustin]

Sad to hear!

 

[Areaonereal]

Hunted British Columbia for elk 31 years ago. My guide was so scared of Griz....he had second hand experience. He was overly cautious....fine by me...he knew their unpredicable nature.. He grew up around them. His comment was to me...we see one and I tell you to shoot. Shoot for the shoulder..keep shooting. He carried no rifle. His outfitter had been mauled and barely lived thru it..was a article in sports afield...had to be airlifted..wounded Griz was tracked and laid down next to the trail, was snowing and Griz laid there covered in snow until they approached and then all hell broke loose. My condolences to the family

 

[lwaters]

A few should be hunted if for nothing else but to develop a fear of humans. Oh that would make to much since.

 

[Hogpatrol]

The gofundme campaign is doing well. Hope everyone can chip in a few bucks. It all adds up. Can't imagine what the family is going through.