Guide dies after bear attack near Yellowstone Park

(Credit: Getty Images)

(CNN) -

A mountain guide died last Saturday after being attacked by a gray bear near Yellowstone National Park, according to authorities.

Charles “Carl” Mock, 49, of West Yellowstone, was fishing just west of the park in Montana on Thursday when the bear attacked him, according to a statement from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

"The man was carrying bear spray, but it is unclear whether he was able to use it during the attack," according to the department's statement.

Mock was flown to Idaho Falls to receive treatment for the serious injuries.

There Mock underwent two surgeries, but suffered a stroke and died Saturday from injuries sustained during the attack, according to the Facebook page of the company that employed him, Backcountry Adventures, a company that rents snowmobiles and offers guides. and tours in the area.

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A group of seven investigators, including Forest Service personnel and bear specialists, returned to the attack site on Friday to assess security risks and conduct an investigation.

Before they arrived, a bear described as an “older male gray bear” began attacking them.

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“Despite multiple attempts by the seven people to dispel the bear, it continued its attack.

Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and killed about 20 meters from the group, ”according to the press release.

Later, investigators found the carcass of a moose approximately 150 feet from the site where Mock was attacked.

This could indicate that the gray bear was likely defending a food source, according to the statement.

Bear attacks up close in Yellowstone

The National Park Service says that since 1979 Yellowstone has received more than 188 million visits.

During this time, 44 people were injured by gray bears inside the park.

The chances of being injured by a gray bear are approximately 1 in 2.7 million visits.

The risk is significantly lower for people who do not leave built-up areas or roadsides.

On the contrary, it is greater for anyone who walks in the field.

Gray bears, in the 48 contiguous states, are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

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