In early July 2026, a black bear attacked a campsite in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, highlighting the increasing need for bear safety awareness among campers.
Incident Overview
On July 5, two women, Shonna Dehl and Maggie Basset, were camping near Fool Creek in the northern part of the Bighorn National Forest. Despite taking precautions—such as storing food and scented items away from their tents—the bear tore into their tent during the night. The campers attempted to deter the bear using their dogs and gunshots, but the bear remained undeterred, leading them to seek refuge in their vehicles. Upon returning in the morning, they found their campsite destroyed.
Expert Insights
Chris Servheen, former national grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, commented on the bear’s behavior:
“This bear is way too aggressive around humans and should be removed immediately. This incident is only going to reinforce this kind of behavior, so the next people he encounters, he’s probably going to do the same thing.”
Servheen emphasized that such behavior is rare but concerning, as bears that associate humans with food can become persistent problems.
Bear Safety Measures
The Bighorn Mountains are active black bear habitats. To minimize bear encounters, campers should:
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Store Food Properly: Use bear boxes or hanging racks for food storage. If unavailable, keep food in your vehicle. (nps.gov)
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Keep Campsites Clean: Dispose of garbage in bear-proof containers and avoid leaving food unattended.
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Carry Bear Spray: Always have bear spray accessible and know how to use it.
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Avoid Attractants: Do not leave fish or entrails on the lakeshore; dispose of them in deep water if bear-proof garbage cans are not available. (nps.gov)
By adhering to these guidelines, campers can reduce the risk of bear encounters and contribute to the safety of both humans and bears.
Conclusion
The recent bear attack in Bighorn National Forest serves as a stark reminder of the importance of bear safety practices. By staying informed and prepared, campers can enjoy the wilderness while minimizing potential conflicts with wildlife.