Posted: Jul 19, 2011 10:29 AM by Adam Bell
Updated: Jul 19, 2011 10:37 AM
Yellowstone National Park officials are reviewing approximately 7 minutes of 911 tapes from the grizzly bear attack on July 6 that took the life of Brian Matayoshi, 57.
Park Public Affairs Officer Dan Hottle says the tapes are helping to establish a timeline of the attack. The tapes consist of two callers, both from a six-person group separate from the attack. The two callers heard calls for help and called 911.
The incident occurred July 6 when Brian Matayoshi and his wife Marylyn surprised a sow bear and her cubs while they were foraging. According to the park, Matayoshi was killed as the sow acted in self defense about a mile and a half from the Wapati Lake Trailhead, close to Canyon Village.
Trailheads along the south end of South Rim Drive remain closed. Hottle says the park is working on a timeline when they might be able to reopen those trails.
The park reminds people about the importance of bear safety. Officials advise people to hike on designated trails in groups of three or more people, stay alert and make noise, especially in areas with blind spots. The park also recommends hikers carry bear spray.
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