September 3, 2000 Missoulian (AP) article: Man escapes encounter with grizzly in Yellowstone. Hotlinks and comments provided by Concerned About Grizzlies [CAG] a grassroots organization
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYO. A horseback rider who stopped · for lunch suffered minor injuries in an attack by a grizzly bear, park officials said.
Richard D. Romano, of Belgrade, was treated for cuts to his face after Friday's encounter in the Black Butte area in the extreme northwestern corner of the park.
Rangers have closed trails in the area for about 10 days.
Romano told officials he had ridden his horse into the area, then stopped and dismounted along a trail near Black Butte Creek to eat a sandwich. His horse began snorting and Romano turned to see a 300-pound grizzly bear directly behind him.
He said the bear swatted him in the face and chest, knocking him into a tree. After he fell face down with the bear on top of him, Romano pulled out a can of bear spray, rolled over and sprayed the bear in the mouth.
The bear rolled off and started coughing.
CAG Comment
This man was most fortunate to survive a human/bear conflict. Many of the attacks are without warning and fatal and even more fortunate he did not come into conflict with the Endangered Species Act.
Do we really want to import grizzly bears into the Selway Bitterroot Ecosystem [SBE] on the outside chance they will enhance the quality of our lives. If he were alive, Mr. Dahl would question that.
End CAG Comment
Romano caught his horse and fled via the trail, returned to his vehicle at the Daly Creek Trailhead and drove north to Big Sky to report the incident, officials said.
He was transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital by emergency personnel, treated and released.
Rangers closed trails along Daly and Black Butte creeks and Skyrim Loop. Additionally, Skyrim Trail was closed west of Shelf Lake but visitors can still reach the lake and its campsites.
The closures will last about 10 days, then will be checked for bear activity and evaluated for possible reopening, officials said.