Early Friday afternoon, a pair of hikers reported finding the body of a man along the eastern section of the Mary Mountain Trail. The 21-mile-long trail runs between Hayden Valley and the Lower Geyser Basin in the central section of the park. Rangers responding to the scene found the body of 59-year-old John Wallace of Michigan along the trail about five miles west of the Hayden Valley trailhead. There were signs of grizzly bear activity at the scene, and an autopsy conducted on Sunday determined that Wallace had died from traumatic injuries sustained in a bear attack. The Mary Mountain Trail, the Cygnet Lakes Trail, and the section of the Hayden Valley west of the Grand Loop Road have been closed to hikers. Rangers, wildlife biologists, and park managers continue their investigation of the incident. Visitors are advised to stay on designated trails, hike in groups of three or more people, be alert for bears, make noise, carry bear spray, and not to run upon encountering a bear. Hikers and backcountry users are encouraged to check with staff at park visitor centers or backcountry offices for updated information before planning any trips in the central portion of the park.
Turtle Walking