Grand Teton National Park euthanizes black bear after visitors repeatedly fed it

In Grand Teton National Park, a black bear that repeatedly approached hikers at the high-altitude Delta Lake was lethally removed after staff observed a pattern of human feeding and the animal’s increasing tolerance of people. The bear was darted and euthanized, with its body airlifted out the following morning. Park officials said the bear’s behavior, amplified by multiple food rewards, posed an unacceptable safety threat.

They stressed that visitors must never leave food unattended and should collect all belongings if a bear appears. The incident follows similar cases in Glacier and Yellowstone parks where food-conditioned bears were also put down. Wildlife biologist Kerry Gunther noted that despite extensive preventive measures, some bears still outsmart defenses, sometimes necessitating removal to protect people and property.