A female hiker was discovered deceased in Montana, near Yellowstone National Park, following a suspected encounter with a grizzly bear. She has been identified as Amie Adamson, a 48-year-old resident of Derby, Kansas. The tragic incident occurred on the Buttermilk Trail, close to the town of West Yellowstone, and prompted an investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Authorities found wounds consistent with a bear attack and tracks from an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub in the vicinity. The investigation is ongoing, and no bears or signs of a daybed or animal carcass were found at the scene.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Adamson was an avid hiker and often ventured onto the trail in the early morning. The bear attack, however, did not appear to be predatory. The cause of her death was determined to be exsanguination due to a bear mauling, with the manner of death ruled as accidental.
Amie Adamson, the author of the book “Walking Out: One Teacher’s Reflections on Walking Out of the Classroom to Walk America,” is remembered for her adventurous spirit. She had been an English teacher for twenty years before embarking on a 2,200-mile backpacking journey across half of the United States in 2015.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks highlighted that Adamson did not possess bear spray, a recommended deterrent for individuals exploring bear-populated areas. The Buttermilk Trail is frequented not only by hikers but also by ATV riders and other off-road enthusiasts. In response to the bear activity, officials from the Custer Gallatin National Forest temporarily closed the area as a precautionary measure. Efforts to capture the bears have been underway, but as of Monday afternoon, no bears had been captured.
Montana has witnessed an expansion in its grizzly bear population in recent years. As a result, it is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to be well-informed about bear safety measures. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks advises individuals to carry bear spray, travel in groups during daylight hours, and be vigilant for signs of bear activity. These signs of the presecnce of a bear include scat, diggings, torn-up logs, and partly consumed animal carcasses.