CNN —A portion of the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana is closed after a woman was found dead following an apparent bear encounter, wildlife officials said.
Grizzly bear tracks were found near the woman’s body, which was discovered Saturday on the Buttermilk Trail, west of the town of West Yellowstone, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a statement.
“The Custer Gallatin National Forest has issued an emergency closure of the Buttermilk area for human safety,” the statement said.
Grizzly bear populations have expanded in the area in recent years, the statement from wildlife officials said.
Montana wildlife officials are urging people to be “bear aware,” including carrying and knowing how to use bear spray, traveling in groups when possible and never approaching a bear.
Persons:
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Organizations:
CNN, Custer, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Wildlife, Parks, Interagency, Bear Committee
Locations:
Custer Gallatin, Montana, West Yellowstone , Montana Fish, Yellowstone, Grizzly, Idaho , Montana , Washington and Wyoming