Grizzly Bear Attack Update: Man Mauled By Animal Dies After Surgeries

KEY POINTS

Carl Mock, 40, was attacked by a grizzly bear Thursday
The victim had suffered significant scalp and facial injuries
After at least two surgeries, Mock suffered a massive stroke and died

A Montana man, who was mauled by a grizzly bear, died Saturday after undergoing at least two surgeries.

His family said Carl Mock, 40, suffered a "massive" stroke and succumbed to injuries. On Thursday, the West Yellowstone man was attacked by a grizzly bear near the Baker’s Hole campground area, approximately 3 miles north of the West Yellowstone entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cowboy State Daily reported.

Officials arrived at the scene and rushed Mock to an Idaho Falls hospital. Following the attack, the U.S. Forest Service issued an emergency public-safety closure in the area Thursday.

Doctors at the hospital said the victim had suffered significant scalp and facial injuries.

On Friday, a group of FWP (Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks) wardens and bear specialists went to the area where the attack took place. The group encountered a large male grizzly bear who charged at them. The FWP officials shot and killed the bear out of safety, KRTV reported.

“They yelled and made continuous noise as they walked toward the site to haze away any bears in the area,” the department said in a release. “Before they reached the site, a bear began charging the group.”

“Despite multiple attempts by all seven people to haze away the bear, it continued its charge. Due to this immediate safety risk, the bear was shot and died about 20 yards from the group,” the department said.

A GoFundMe page was set up for Mock by his friends after he was attacked by the bear.

“This comes as a terrible shock and is heartbreaking to everyone, since both of his surgeries went so well,” Keith Johnson, organizer of the fundraising effort said. “All of the money that is being donated on this page… will be given to the family to help cover the medical bills and the funeral costs."

Meanwhile, the FWP suggested ways in which one can protect themselves from a surprise bear attack. The agency said people must maintain awareness and read signs at trailheads, carry bear spray, travel in groups, stay away from animal carcasses and back away slowly if approached by a bear.