West Yellowstone Hiker Attacked by Grizzly Has Died

A hiker injured in a grizzly bear attack in West Yellowstone on Thursday, April 15, died the following Saturday morning.

KIFI Local News 8 reports that the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office responded to the Baker's Hole area at around 3:42 p.m. after receiving a report of a grizzly bear attack. The Forest Service, West Yellowstone Police, and Hebgen Basin Fire and EMS also responded.

After searching off trail for approximately 50 minutes, rescue teams located Carl Mock.

Authorities say he suffered serious injuries to the left side of his face, head, and neck. His injuries suggested that Mock used the proper fetal position to protect himself, but the bear still managed to bite out a chunk of his skull.

Mock was treated at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after the attack, and although surgeries to repair his face and skull were successful, he passed away.

A GoFundMe set up for Carl Mock reads:

We would like to let you know that early this morning Carl suffered a massive stroke and sadly, he didn't make it through. This comes as a terrible shock and is heartbreaking to everyone, since both the surgeries went so well. We will keep you updated with the service information as the plans are made. All of the money that is being donated on this page and in the cans throughout town will be given to the family to help cover the medical bills and funeral costs. We appreciate the continued support from this community to help ease these financial burdens for Carl's family.

Before his death, KIFI Local News 8 spoke with his sisters Lindsay Russell and Tiffany Cook.

I want people to know that Carl wasn't out there… he wasn't out there making stupid choices and like chasing after animals. He's very aware of rules and guidelines, Cook said.

He's very respectful of wildlife and someone that recreates very professionally, Russell said.

Mock's sisters said he loved hiking, fishing, and photography and has guided countless visitors in Yellowstone. They said he even wanted to pursue a career as a park ranger.

For this to happen to someone who was so well versed in these types of activities, it is scary, Russell said. It truly makes you aware that this could happen to anyone at any time because he knows more than most.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff shot a large aggressive male grizzly the day after the attack while investigating the scene.

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