Grizzly Attack

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By Katie Ussin

Story Published: Jul 19, 2010 at 10:41 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 21, 2010 at 2:49 PM MDT

BILLINGS - There were no warning signs in place when a man was killed by a grizzly bear in Wyoming that had been tranquilized. That is according to an investigation report into the man's death released Monday.

Erwin Evert, 70, was mauled just feet away from where the animal had been left to recover after testing. He was killed by the grizzly June 17 in the Kitty Creek area on the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park.

A team had been in the area capturing and releasing bears for research. The interagency report found that closure and warning signs had been posted in the area in the days leading up to the attack, and witness statements show that Evert was aware of the field work being done.

However, on the day of the attack, the report shows that the research team removed the signs from the area upon leaving the bear at the trapping site to awake from sedation. Evert hiked into the area shortly after. He was killed and his body recovered just a few yards away from where the bear had been left. The report shows that he suffered a fatal bite to the head.

Evert was a well-known botanist and author who had a cabin in the area. He was not armed or carrying bear spray with him. The grizzly was killed two days after the attack.

The investigation team made recommendations for agencies that perform bear research to consider. They include a standardized written protocol on the use of warning signs.

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