Grizzly victim knew risks of living with bears, friends say

摘要

Grizzly bears are part of life in the gateway communities bordering Yellowstone National Park, and backcountry snowmobile guide Charles "Carl" Mock knew well the risks that come with working, hiking and fishing among the fear-inspiring carnivores, his friends said. Mock died after being mauled by a 400-plus-pound male grizzly while fishing alone at a favorite spot on Montana's Madison River, where it spills out of the park and into forested land that bears wander in search of food. The bear had a dead moose stashed nearby, and wildlife officials say it likely attacked Mock to defend the carcass. The grizzly was shot and killed after charging at a group of seven game wardens and bear specialists who returned the next day. Bear spray residue found on Mock's clothing suggested he tried to ward off last week's attack using a canister of the Mace-like deterrent, considered an essential item in the backcountry. He usually carried a pistol, too but wasn't on the day he was killed just a few miles north of the small town of West Yellowstone where he lived, according to two friends.