Third grizzly captured in Yellowstone after fatal attack

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A second cub that might be linked to the death of a 63-year-old man has been captured, park officials said Tuesday.

Lance Crosby, 63, was found dead around noon Aug. 7, less than a mile from the Elephant Back Loop Trail. Crosby, of Billings, Montana, was a long-term seasonal employee of Medcor, which operates three urgent care clinics in the park.

Amy Bartlett, Yellowstone National Park spokesperson, said DNA samples have been collected from all three grizzlies, and that if the captured female adult is proven to be involved in an attack, she will be euthanized. Yellowstone National Park will attempt to give both cubs to an accredited facility, such as a zoo, Bartlett said.

Crosby’s body was found partially consumed, and defensive wounds were found on Crosby’s forearms. Although the cause of death has not been determined, the preliminary investigation indicates Crosby was attacked by a grizzly bear and at least one cub.

Bartlett said a forensic autopsy has been performed on Crosby, and results would be released Wednesday.