A 59-year old man has been identified as the hiker found dead on a trail in
Yellowstone National Park on Friday.
John Wallace was from the community of Chassell, in Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula.
His body was discovered Friday morning by two hikers along the Mary
Mountain Trail. The twenty-one mile long trail crosses the center of
Yellowstone, connecting the west and east sides of the lower portion of the
Grand Loop Road.
Wallace was discovered along the trail, about five miles west of the Hayden
Valley trailhead, which is off the Grand Loop road between Mud Volcano and
Canyon Junction.
Wallace was traveling alone, and had pitched a tent in a park campground
sometime Wednesday.
Rangers discovered signs of grizzly bear activity at the scene Friday
afternoon, including bear tracks and scat.
Results from an autopsy conducted Sunday afternoon concluded that Wallace
died as a result of traumatic injuries from a bear attack.
The Mary Mountain Trail, the Cygnet Lakes Trail, and the section of the
Hayden Valley west of the Grand Loop Road have been closed to hikers.
Park rangers, wildlife biologists, and park managers will continue their
investigation of the incident.
Visitors are advised to stay on designated trails, hike in groups of three
or more people, be alert for bears, make noise, carry bear spray, and not
to run upon encountering a bear.
Hikers and backcountry users are encouraged to check with staff at park
visitor centers or backcountry offices for updated information before
planning any trips in the central portion of the park.
– www.nps.gov/yell –
