A view of a remote part of the Upper Green River Basin on the Bridger-Teton National Forest near where state and federal investigators are probing a hunter-grizzly conflict in which a grizzly bear was killed. (Angus M. Thuermer Jr./WyoFile)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is assisting the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in an investigation into a hunter-grizzly conflict in which a grizzly died in the Upper Green River Basin.
Fish and Wildlife spokesman Ryan Moehring confirmed the probe on Friday but gave few details.
“I can confirm that there was a hunter-grizzly conflict in the Upper Green River Basin that ultimately led to a grizzly bear mortality,” he said. The area is national forest land.
“Wyoming Game and Fish [Department] conducted the initial investigation,” he said. “We are now assisting them.
“Once those investigations are complete the contents will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” The attorney would decide whether to press charges, Moehring said.
The spokesman would not estimate when an investigation might be completed. “We never know how long they’re going to take,” he said.
Possibly the hunter had a valid reason to protect themselves. With out all the facts I do not condemn the hunter .
No one knows how they will act in a bear conflict till it happens.
Tim Hebb
Shell,Wyoming
Hundreds of backpackers parade through the Upper Green all summer without a significant bear incident. Hunting season opens and, “Boom”. Some hunters just can’t resist the temptation to shoot something..
Ric Samulski