The Denali National Park

The Denali National Park in Alaska has suffered its first deadly grizzly bear attack in the North American park’s 95 year history. 49-year-old Richard White of San Diego was attacked on Friday, but managed to snap up 26 photographs, which may provide vital insight into the minutes before his death.

White was backpacking alone through the national park when he came upon the bear, a mere 45m away from him. Park rules require that at least 400m be kept between hikers and the Park’s bear population. In order to obtain a hiking permit, hikers are required to undergo compulsory “Bear Aware” training before being allowed into the park. On his permit, White indicated that he was not carrying any anti-bear spray, or a gun, but that he did have a whistle with him.

Park officials became aware of the attack after hikers came upon an abandoned backpack about 5km from a rest stop, as well as torn clothing and blood. They immediately hiked back and informed the rangers. Rangers in a helicopter then became aware of a large male grizzly sitting on the remains of the hiker, about 100 meters from the site of the attack, in what they described as a “food cache.”

White’s first photos are shot with a wide angle, before zooming in. The final few pictures, all taken in an estimated time span of about 13 seconds, show the bear lifting its head up, first looking away from the camera. After looking towards White, the bear begins to move towards the camera. Rangers have stated that there are no indications of a charge.

The bear was identified on Saturday and killed by a state trooper. Analysis of its stomach contents confirmed White as the victim. The pictures are not being released to the media as yet, as they still form part of the investigation into White’s death.

[Source: Newsminer, Telegraph, Anchorage Daily News]