Man mauled by grizzly at Henrys Lake

A 73-year old West Yellowstone man sustained injuries after being mauled by a grizzly bear at Henrys Lake State Park in eastern idaho.

Gregory Godar was able to walk out on his own and was transported by helicopter to an Idaho Falls medical center. He was treated for his injuries and released.

Fish and Game said Godar and his wife were hiking when they surprised a sow grizzly and her two yearling cubs. Godar was unable to deploy the bear spray he had strapped to his chest.

“If I had one word of advice, it would be to carry your bear spray in your hand and not strapped to your chest,” Godar said. “I think if I had it in my hand I could have stopped her.”

Godar’s wife was not injured.

Because of the surprise nature of the attack, wildlife officials determined it was unnecessary to trap or pursue the bears at this time.

— Ralph Bartholdt