September 5, 2002

Last modified September 5, 2002 - 12:45 am

Associated Press

Thomas Crosson, 43, of Springfield, Mass., received two large puncture wounds and a fractured fibula in his left leg during the attack at about 11 a.m. Monday, according to Marsha Karle, National Park Service spokeswoman.

Crosson and a companion, who was not identified by the agency, were hiking off a trail up a drainage close to Columbine Creek when they crested a ridge and surprised the grizzly.

The two turned around and started back down the ridge when the bear charged. The two dropped to the ground and remained still as is recommended when a grizzly charges.

The bear bit Crosson's lower left leg, picked him up and shook him for a few seconds before releasing him. The bear then approached the second hiker, who sprayed the bear in the face with pepper spray. The bear retreated with her cubs.

The two hiked several miles back to their campsite where they spent the night. On Tuesday morning, they flagged a park service boat, which took them across the lake to an ambulance.

Crosson was treated at St. John's Medical Center in Jackson.

Bear warnings have been posted near Columbine Creek and no off-trail trekking is allowed in the area.

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