TETON COUNTY, Wyo. – A man was discovered dead on Saturday at around 1:15 pm by Teton County Search and Rescue personnel.
According to a press release, on Friday two hunters were involved in a bear attack in the Teton Wilderness while field dressing an elk near Terrace Mountain.
Florida resident Corey Chubon shot an elk during a guided bow hunt late Thursday afternoon with his guide, Mark Uptain.
They could not locate the wounded animal before dark, so they returned Friday morning. They found the undisturbed carcass in the early afternoon and were preparing to pack out the elk when they were aggressively charged by two large bears.
The attacking bear then spun, charged Chubon, grabbed his foot, and dragged him. He was then able to run from the scene to phone for help. Uptain was killed in the attack.
Chubon suffered from injuries to his leg, chest, and arm. He was taken to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyo. for treatment.
Initial reports indicate that the second bear did not engage either Chubon or Uptain. Officials say an inter-agency helicopter was dispatched to the scene to assist with transport of the injured hunters.
Search and Rescue personnel were not able to locate Uptain before the search was suspended Friday evening.
The search resumed at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Uptain was found later Saturday afternoon around 1:15 p.m.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Uptain family; it reads, in part:
Mark Uptain passed away in a tragic hunting accident on September 14th. He was doing one of activities he had extreme passion for. An experienced hunting guide in the backcountry of Wyoming. While preparing to pack a Elk out, Mark was attacked by a Bear and sadly did not make it. Even more then the outdoors Mark loved his beautiful wife Sarah and their 5 amazing kids. Please give what you can or share to help this family in their time of need.
