Emergency Closures Lifted
|
Contact: Al Nash-NPS, 307-344-2010 Contact: Marna Daley-GNF, 406-587-6703
U.S. Department of the Interior Al Nash or Stacy Vallie
Marna Daley ---------------------------------------------------- INTERAGENCY NEWS RELEASE ---------------------------------------------------- For Immediate Release - September 18, 2007 Yellowstone National Park and Gallatin National Forest Lift Emergency Closures Effective at midnight tonight, Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest will lift emergency area closures temporarily put in place north of Gardiner in the Reese Creek area in Yellowstone National Park and Beattie Gulch area on the Gallatin National Forest. The emergency closures were put into effect Friday, September 14, to address human safety concerns after a bear mauling occurred. Park and Forest officials believe the mauling was an isolated incident. The bear was not injured which would cause additional human safety concerns. To help reduce human and bear encounters, hikers and hunters are encouraged to travel and hunt in pairs, carry bear spray, and adhere to food storage orders. Hunters should keep in mind that elk calls can also attract bears. It is also important to remember that bears are attracted to gut piles and food sources, including carcasses, particularly during this time of the year right before they enter hibernation. The Little Trail Creek Trail area closure will remain in effect as there may still be an injured bear in this area. The Park and the Forest encourage visitors, backcountry users, and hunters to check with the Albright Visitor Center or the Backcountry Office in Mammoth Hot Springs or the Gardiner Ranger District Office in Gardiner for the most up to date closure information. Remember, hunting is not permitted within Yellowstone National Park.
-30 - |
Did You Know?
There were no wolves in Yellowstone in 1994. The wolves that were reintroduced in 1995 and 1996 thrived and there are now over 300 of their descendents living in the Greater Yellowstone Area.