Media Alert Bear Incident in Desolation Canyon Salt Lake City (May 6, 2004) - A man on a rafting trip suffered a puncture wound to his calf, and superficial wounds to his abdominal area, after being attacked by a black bear in Desolation Canyon at about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 5. Here are the details the Division of Wildlife Resources has as of 5 p.m. today (May 6): - The incident occurred on the Green River, in Desolation Canyon, about 40 miles east of Price. - Two different commercial groups were camping in the same area when the attack occurred. - The injuries are NOT life-threatening. The man was on a rafting trip and was camping on a beach, with other members of his party, when the attack occurred. Members of his party are taking him by raft to the town of Green River for treatment. - Two bears may be in the area. It's not known whether one or both of the bears were involved in the attack. - As of 4 p.m. today (May 6), two members of USDA-Wildlife Services were being flown into the area by helicopter to set snares in hopes of catching the bears. They will set the snares this afternoon and check them tomorrow. - The camping area where the attack occurred has been closed by the Bureau of Land Management and signs have been posted so other campers will know it's closed and why. - People launching in Desolation Canyon are being informed of the incident, but there are two groups that left yesterday and one group that left earlier today that cannot be reached. - The BLM, the DWR and USDA-Wildlife Services are in close contact with each other and are working cooperatively in this effort. More Details to Follow Tomorrow The DWR will provide more details as soon as they're available tomorrow. If you have further questions tonight, please contact Derris Jones, manager of the DWR's Southeastern Region, at (435) 820-8216. You may also contact Mark Hadley at (801) 546-9665.
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Media Alert - Bear Incident.doc
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