ST. GEORGE – The body of a 31-year-old man from Washington County reported missing in the Wyoming wilderness earlier this month was found Monday, and confirmed to be the victim of a bear attack.
Adam Thomas Stewart, 31, of Virgin, Utah, was originally reported missing in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Sept. 8, while doing research for Idaho-based ecological assessment firm, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Stewart was working in a remote area of the national forest when he went missing. His body was eventually found about three miles from his campsite by Search and Rescue crews Friday. The body was found near two deer carcasses bears appeared to have been feeding on, according to a report from County10 out of Wyoming. The area is located in the mountain above Dubios, Wyoming.
According to County10, the Fremont County Coroner’s Office confirmed Stewart had been killed by a bear. The bear attack was also confirmed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Monday.
Fremont County Coroner Ed McAuslan said Stewart suffered blunt force trauma to his body that is associated with a possible bear bite, County10 reported.
“We will continue to do everything within our means to assist in the investigation and to ensure public safety,” said Lander Regional Wildlife Supervisor Jason Hunter in a statement. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”
It is currently unknown which type of bear may have attacked Stewart. Evidence related to the attack is being analyzed to determine if it was a black bear or a grizzly. Hunter indicated that the area where Stewart was found is known to be dense with both types of bears.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Stewart’s family was notified about his death on Saturday.
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Got a little to close to Yogi Bears picnic basket
I wonder how this happened? What provoked the bear? If the guy had been from Cedar City, I would believe he mistaken the bear for a big dog, gotten a little excited about it, and the bear defended itself.