A Wyoming outfitter, Mark Uptain, was found dead on Saturday at around 1:15 pm by search and rescue personnel in Teton County, Wyoming. The two grizzly bears linked to his death have been killed.
Wyoming Game & Fish Department Jackson Regional Supervisor Brad Hovinga told Jackson Hole News & Guide on Sunday: “We killed two grizzly bears up there a little bit ago, and we have every reason to believe they are the offending bears. They fit the description.” Forensic tests will be conducted to provide certainty that they were the bears responsible.
According to a press release, on Friday Uptain and Florida resident Corey Chuban were involved in a bear attack in the Teton Wilderness while field dressing an elk near Terrace Mountain.
Chubon shot an elk during the guided bowhunt on Thursday afternoon with his guide, Uptain.
They could not find the wounded animal before dark, so they returned Friday morning. They found the undisturbed carcass in the early afternoon and were preparing to pack out the elk when they were “aggressively charged” by two large bears.
The attacking bear then spun, charged Chubon, grabbed his foot, and dragged him. He was then able to run from the scene to phone for help.
Chubon sustained injuries to his leg, chest, and arm. He was taken to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, for treatment.
Initial reports indicate that the second bear did not engage either Chubon or Uptain.
Officials say a helicopter was dispatched to the scene to assist with transport of the injured hunters.
Search and Rescue personnel were not able to locate Uptain before the search was suspended Friday evening.
The search resumed at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday; Uptain’s body was found on Saturday at around 1:15 p.m.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Uptain family; it reads, in part:
Mark Uptain passed away in a tragic hunting accident on September 14th. He was doing one of activities he had extreme passion for. An experienced hunting guide in the backcountry of Wyoming. While preparing to pack a Elk out, Mark was attacked by a Bear and sadly did not make it. Even more then the outdoors Mark loved his beautiful wife Sarah and their 5 amazing kids. Please give what you can or share to help this family in their time of need.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the details of the incident.
- Reported by Zoe Zandora-MTN News/Billings
