[PHOTOS] Dead Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone Goes Viral on Facebook

Officials with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are investigating the death of a large male grizzly bear that was recently found in Yellowstone National Park.

YNP is home to the largest population of grizzly bears in America, and a photographer visiting the park discovered the dead bear and reported it to wildlife officials.

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The story has received national attention. According to an article published by USA Today;

Photographer Amy Gerber reportedly spotted the dead bear along North Fork Highway early Monday (5/1) between Yellowstone and the town of Cody, which is about 60 miles from the park's east entrance.

Gerber is a retired school teacher and owns Cub Creek Photography. She recently shared images of the bear on the Wild Love Images Facebook page, and the pictures have been making the rounds on social media.

Cowboy State Daily says the discovery of the dead bear has created outrage among Wyoming residents. The incident is still under investigation, but many are speculating that the bear was either hit by a vehicle or shot. The male grizzly reportedly weighed around 500 lbs.

The maximum penalty for killing a grizzly bear is a $50,000 fine and up to a year in prison. Information on the incident is limited and investigators haven't released many details.

How to Be "Bear Aware" in Montana

Stay a safe distance away from grizzly bears and other predators in Montana. In Yellowstone National Park, the rule is at least 100 yards. The first grizzly sighting of 2023 in YNP occurred on March 7. Don't try to be a daredevil. It's not worth it.