Wyoming Game and Fish is commending an injured hiker for carrying and using bear spray after an encounter with a presumed black bear near Teton Pass on Monday evening.
“Our thoughts are with the individual who was injured, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery,” said Game and Fish Jackson Regional Wildlife Supervisor Brad Hovinga in a press release. “We are grateful she was well-prepared and carried bear spray, which can make all the difference in these unpredictable situations.”
A popular Teton Pass trail connecting Trail Creek with Teton Pass summit remains closed while the state investigates the hiker’s non-life threatening encounter. The identity of the hiker and extent of injuries was not made public.
Monday’s attack was the first such incident in the Jackson region in at least two years. Two hikers were mauled in Yellowstone in May 2026 in a likely grizzly bear attack.
The last Jackson-area bear attack was in Grand Teton National Park in May of 2024. Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr called Monday’s attack an “infrequent” incident in a text.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest closed the History Trail Monday evening. Popular with recreationists, the trail connects Teton Pass summit with the Trail Creek parking lot and trailhead on Old Teton Pass Road.
The closure will remain in place until the investigation ends. Updates on trail status can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
An initial onsite investigation did not locate any bears or result in any further management actions, but did deem the attack a “surprise defensive encounter” with a sow and at least one cub, according to the press release.
As fall approaches, bears hyperfocus on calorie consumption to prepare for winter slumber. That can mean more run-ins between humans and bruins.
“Surprises can happen in the backcountry, even to well-prepared recreationists who are doing everything right,” according to Game and Fish.
Jackson Hole BearWise educates the public on best practices in bear country.
“It’s really important to always carry bear spray with you and know how to use it and also have it in a place that’s readily accessible,” said Ash Hllary, a spokesperson forJackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, a partner of JH BearWise.
Hiking in groups and making noise can also alert bears of one’s presence to prevent spooking a bear, Hillary added.
A full list of recommendations can be found at BearWisejh.org
