Teton area reports bear collision and backcountry rescues

A series of wildlife and backcountry incidents have been reported in the Teton area. On August 22, an adult male black bear was killed after jumping over a guardrail and colliding with an eastbound vehicle on Teton Pass. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department noted a significant increase in black bear activity as animals enter hyperphagia, a period where they consume large amounts of calories to prepare for winter hibernation.

Separately, Teton County Search and Rescue conducted two backcountry rescues. On August 24, volunteers used a wheeled stretcher to evacuate a 70-year-old hiker who had fallen and been injured on the Green Mountain Trail. Following this, a helicopter team rescued two men in their 30s from the Hawk's Rest area after they encountered a bear and suffered from dehydration and exhaustion.