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Field researcher Adam Stewart, 31, an experienced backpacker and
certified Wilderness First Responder, was mauled and killed in
Wyoming's Teton Wilderness last September 4.<br>
<br>
Setting out to conduct a vegetation plot survey for his employer, a
contractor for the Forest Service, he had hiked north from Brooks
Lake, along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, past Bear
Cub Pass to Cub Creek (WY guidebook Teton 5:16.1). After setting up
his tent and hanging his food, he headed up a trail along Cub Creek
for about a mile and a half, then started up a game trail toward his
target area. About half a mile up the slope, he was evidently
attacked, probably by a grizzly, near two mule deer carcasses, in
relatively thick timber.<br>
<br>
According to an investigation report [link available in <u><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.wyofile.com/field-worker-worried/grizzlies/">www.wyofile.com/field-worker-worried/grizzlies/</a></u>],
the impetus for the attack was likely a combination of defense of
the deer carcasses and a surprise encounter in an area of limited
visual sight distance.<br>
<br>
Several aspects of this tragedy might be kept in mind:<br>
<ul>
<li>The victim, despite his knowledge and experience, apparently
was not carrying bear spray.</li>
<li>He was hiking alone even though he had alerted his employer to
his understanding that solo travel in remote locations such as
this increases risks and the possibility of death or lifelong
disability.</li>
<li>The bears may be more active late in the season, when they are
thinking of hibernation, so wanting to fatten up.</li>
<li>There was no indication of predatory behavior; on the
contrary, all signs point to the bear's defensive motivation.<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>We have lost an exceptional outdoorsman and conservationist.
Bearing his experience in mind, let us hope that perilous
encounters along the well-traveled CDT will be infrequent and that
hikers will be knowledgeable and prepared.<br>
</p>
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