Autopsy Confirms Bear Killed 63-year-old Yellowstone Hiker

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park officials say preliminary autopsy results confirm that a hiker whose body was found last week was killed by a bear.

Spokeswoman Amy Bartlett said Wednesday the results rule out the possibility that 63-year-old Lance Crosby of Billings died of a medical issue before the bear came upon him. Crosby was hiking without bear spray when he was attacked. His body was discovered Friday partially eaten and hidden by animals about a half-mile from the nearest trail.

Park officials captured a female grizzly bear and two cubs near the site of the attack. Bartlett says DNA test results are expected Wednesday or Thursday to determine whether the adult bear was the attacker. If so, park officials have said the female will be euthanized.