Grizzly bears are powerful, awe-inspiring creatures, but encounters with them can quickly turn deadly. While they generally avoid humans, grizzlies are highly protective of their territory, food, and cubs. Throughout history, there have been some harrowing encounters between humans and these massive predators. Here are 15 of the worst grizzly bear attacks in the United States, each a sobering reminder of their raw strength.
1. The Infamous Night of Terror at Glacier National Park (1967)
In 1967, two young women were killed in separate grizzly attacks on the same night in Glacier National Park. The attacks were unprecedented and shocked the nation, as nothing like it had happened before. Poor waste management at the time had drawn grizzlies closer to human areas, setting the stage for tragedy. The events led to significant changes in how the park manages food and waste to minimize human-bear conflicts.
2. The Death of Timothy Treadwell (2003)
Timothy Treadwell, known as the “Grizzly Man,” spent years living among Alaskan bears, believing he had a unique bond with them. Tragically, this bond didn’t protect him when a bear fatally attacked him and his girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, in Katmai National Park. Audio of the attack was captured, adding a haunting layer to the tragedy. Treadwell’s death sparked debates about respecting wildlife boundaries and the dangers of anthropomorphizing wild animals.
3. Lance Crosby’s Fatal Encounter in Yellowstone (2015)
Lance Crosby, an experienced hiker, was killed by a grizzly in Yellowstone National Park after hiking alone without bear spray. His partially eaten body was discovered near his campsite, with evidence that the bear had cached him as food. The bear responsible was euthanized, sparking controversy and debates about wildlife management. The attack was a grim reminder of the risks of solo hiking in grizzly country.
4. The Tragic Death of Colin Dowler (2019)
While mountain biking near British Columbia’s Mount Doogie Dowler, Colin Dowler encountered a grizzly that attacked him ferociously. Dowler miraculously survived by using a pocket knife to stab the bear in self-defense. Though he managed to escape, he suffered life-threatening injuries and required extensive medical treatment. This attack highlighted the importance of carrying protective equipment, even during seemingly peaceful outdoor activities.
5. Todd Orr’s Double Mauling (2016)
Todd Orr’s survival story is almost unbelievable. While hiking in Montana, Orr was attacked by a grizzly sow protecting her cubs—not once, but twice. Despite severe injuries, including a fractured forearm and deep wounds to his head, Orr walked three miles back to his truck and drove himself to the hospital. His resilience and quick thinking have made his story legendary in the outdoor community.
6. The Fatal Attack on a Photographer in Denali (2012)
In 2012, Richard White, a seasoned hiker and photographer, was fatally attacked by a grizzly in Alaska’s Denali National Park. White had been photographing the bear for some time before the attack occurred. Park rangers later found evidence that the bear had consumed part of his body, leading to its euthanization. This tragedy serves as a reminder always to keep a safe distance from wildlife, no matter how experienced you are.
7. The Tragic Death of Carl Mock (2021)
A backcountry guide, Carl Mock was fishing near Yellowstone National Park when a grizzly bear attacked him. Mock managed to call for help and was airlifted to a hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The bear, likely defending a nearby food cache, was later euthanized after charging wildlife officers. Mock’s death reignited discussions about the importance of carrying bear spray, even for experienced outdoorsmen.
8. The Fatal Attack on a Man Near Ovando, Montana (2021)
A grizzly attacked and killed a man who was camping near Ovando, Montana, in 2021. The bear had been attracted to food left near the campsite, underscoring the importance of proper food storage in bear country. Wildlife officials tracked and euthanized the bear following the attack. This tragedy highlighted the dangers of camping without taking precautions against bear encounters.
9. The Terrifying Attack on a Wyoming Elk Hunter (2020)
While hunting elk in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest, a hunter was attacked by a grizzly who had been startled by his presence. The bear mauled him severely before his hunting partner managed to drive it off with a firearm. Despite life-threatening injuries, the hunter survived after emergency medical treatment. This incident underscores the importance of staying vigilant and prepared while hunting in grizzly territory.
10. The Fatal Attack in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (2001)
Craig Dahl, a backcountry hiker, was fatally mauled by a grizzly while hiking alone in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Evidence suggested the bear was protecting a food source near the trail. The remote location made rescue efforts difficult, and Dahl succumbed to his injuries. This tragic incident highlighted the risks of solo hiking in areas known for grizzly activity.
11. The Survival of Don and Donna Mathews (1983)
Don and Donna Mathews were camping in the Bob Marshall Wilderness when a grizzly bear attacked their tent. The bear dragged Donna out, but Don fought it off using a flashlight and bear spray. Both survived but were severely traumatized by the experience. Their story is a testament to the importance of bear-proofing campsites and carrying defensive tools.
12. The Deadly Attack in Glacier Bay National Park (2016)
A kayaker in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park was fatally attacked by a grizzly bear while exploring a remote area. The victim had been alone and reportedly surprised the bear, triggering its defensive instincts. Wildlife officials later determined the bear was likely a mother with cubs. This incident highlighted the importance of maintaining constant awareness in bear country, especially when traveling solo.
13. The Fatal Mauling in Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley (1986)
A hiker in Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear after unknowingly walking too close to its cubs. The incident was one of the park’s earliest high-profile bear attacks, leading to increased safety measures. The bear responsible was not euthanized, as it was deemed to have acted defensively. This tragedy emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries in national parks.