Denali, Alaska: Tourist attacked and killed by a grizzly bear

Denali National Park and Preserve officials yesterday formally identified the solo backpacker killed by a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) as Richard White, 49, of San Diego, California. White had been in the Denali backcountry for three nights when he was killed by a grizzly bear adjacent to the Toklat River on Friday, August 24 – the first bear related fatality in the park’s ninety-five year history. According to the NPS the evidence on the ground indicates that the attack occurred close to the Toklat River’s open braided gravel bar, and the bear then dragged the body to a more secluded site. Three day hikers discovered an abandoned backpack along the Toklat River approximately 3 miles south of the Toklat River Rest Area on Friday afternoon and, upon further investigation, saw evidence of a violent struggle, including torn clothing and blood. They immediately notified NPS staff of their discovery. Read article