A Massachusetts man was injured in a recent grizzly bear attack in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park when the bear accidentally sprayed itself with bear repellent while attacking the hiker. Park officials stated that the bear will not be captured or killed as it may have been trying to protect a cub during the incident. The 35-year-old man from Massachusetts managed to escape to safety after the bear was hit with the burst of bear repellent.

The grizzly attack took place on Signal Mountain, resulting in the closure of the area as is typical after such incidents in the Yellowstone region. Despite carrying bear repellent spray and making noise to alert bears, the victim was still attacked by the grizzly. The man recounted coming across a smaller bear before being charged by a larger one, leading to the attack that left him injured.

The decision not to pursue the bears was based on the belief that they behaved naturally during the encounter. Rangers in the Yellowstone region, who track and study many of the bears, were unfamiliar with the ones involved in the attack. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, is expected to make a full recovery from the injuries sustained during the attack.

This incident comes amidst a series of recent grizzly attacks, including an attack in Canada where a hunter suffered significant injuries. In a separate incident in Banff National Park in Canada, a couple and their dog were killed by a grizzly bear while backpacking. Despite the threats posed by grizzly bears, they are protected as a threatened species in the contiguous United States.

Grizzly bear attacks have been a cause for concern in various parts of North America, with incidents reported in Montana, Yellowstone National Park, and British Columbia. The National Park Service recently announced plans to capture grizzly bears in Yellowstone for research purposes, urging the public to stay clear of areas with traps. As authorities continue to monitor and study these majestic yet dangerous animals, safety measures are being emphasized to prevent further human-bear conflicts.