Montana Backcountry Guide Carl Mock Dies After Yellowstone Bear Attack

A Backcountry Adventures guide died Saturday at East Idaho Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries from a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park on Thursday, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the attack happened around 3:45 p.m. near Bakers Hole Campground, located about three miles north of West Yellowstone, along the banks of the Madison River.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, the Forest Service, West Yellowstone Police Department and Hebgen Basin Fire and EMS all arrived at the scene of the attack. Charles “Carl” Mock called for help after being mauled by a male grizzly bear. Police said he was “fishing near an unknown food source for the bear.” It took about 50 minutes to find him according to officials.

A moose carcass was found about 50 yards (45 meters) from the attack site and that the bear was likely defending it at the time. They said Mock had bear repellant on his person at the time, but it is unclear if he used it.

According to authorities, he sustained serious facial and scalp injuries. A snowmobile and toboggan were used to transport Mock to an ambulance where he was then taken to the hospital. Two days later, he passed away from his injuries after suffering from a massive stroke, according to a GoFund Me page set up for him.

“This comes as a terrible shock and is heartbreaking to everyone since both the surgeries went so well,” read the fundraiser.

It described Mock as someone with a “passion for outdoors, hiking, fishing, photography, and is a beloved guide to countless visitors in Yellowstone.”

On Friday, seven Game Wardens and other personnel searched the area for the bear that attacked Mock. The bear officials believe attacked Mock was aggressive towards the search party even after they tried to haze it away. The animal was eventually shot and killed 20 yards away from the group.

“Now is the time to remember to be conscientious in the backcountry as the bears are coming out of hibernation and looking for food sources,” police wrote in their press release.