The first fatal mauling of a person by a grizzly occurred in the Denali National Park on Friday.

National Park spokeperson Maureen McLaughlin stated yesterday that the Service was notified yesterday of what appeared to be a serious mauling that had occurred along the Toklat River.

Three hikers that were out hiking for the day along the river came across a backpack three miles south of the Toklat River rest area. Investigating the scene further, they discovered an area where an apparent bloody struggle had occurred. Torn clothing were seen at the scene as well as blood. This discovery spurred the three to hike back out of the area and contact the Park Service. They made contact with the service at approximately 5:30 pm.

In a release, Mclaughlin stated, “Park rangers launched a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft from park headquarters at 8 p.m. Searchers on the aircraft located the scene at 8:35 p.m. At least one grizzly bear was still at the site, although there may have been multiple bears. The bear(s) moved away when the helicopter approached and landed. Two rangers on board the helicopter got out and confirmed the location of the victim’s remains.”

It is surmised that the attack took place on a gravel bar located on the river. After the attack, evidence showed that the bear or bears drug the hiker into the brush.

As daylight faded and with the knowledge that bears were more than likely in the immediate area, a decision was made to postpone the retrieval of the remains until Saturday. It is unclear if that retrieval has taken place as scheduled at this time. Officials intend at that time to attempt to locate the predatory bear as well.

Although a wallet was also retrieved from the scene, release of the hiker’s name has not been made. That name will not be released until a positive ID is made and the next of kin are notified.

The Park Service has closed that unit for hikers and campers until further notice.