Wyoming officials say a man surprised a grizzly bear and was injured August 5 while working in the Shoshone National Forest northwest of Dubois. The man received first aid from responders and was flown to a hospital for further treatment as wildlife officials searched for the bruin.

Wyoming Game and Fish officials said the man sustained injuries when he encountered a single grizzly bear at close range while conducting survey work in the Sheridan Creek drainage. He was able to leave the scene after the encounter and called 911. Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies and an ambulance responded to the call. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department was notified at that time. Game and Fish conducted a brief interview before the man was taken to the hospital, then responded to the scene. With the use of a drone, Game and Fish personnel surveyed the scene and surrounding area. It found no sign of the bear that afternoon. Although the investigation is still ongoing, based on the initial information, it appeared to be a surprise, close-range encounter with the bear. The incident occurred too quickly for the individual to deploy bear spray. Once the bear made contact the man dropped and covered his head and neck, and did not fight back. The bear left the area after the encounter. Officials said the wounds sustained by the victim and behavior of the bear are indicative of an “aggressive defensive” encounter at close range. Due to the surprise nature of the encounter, no further management actions were planned.