In Jones, Oklahoma, a 45-year-old man, Brad McMichael, died after being attacked by two water buffaloes he had recently purchased. Emergency responders were initially delayed due to the animals’ aggressive behavior. One buffalo was killed to allow access to McMichael, who suffered fatal injuries. The second buffalo continued to pose a threat as first responders worked, according to officials.
A renowned grizzly bear known as “399” was hit and killed by a vehicle in Snake River Canyon, near Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Identified by her tag, 399 was the oldest known breeding female grizzly in the area, and was famed for her decades-long life spanning 28 years. Her cub, accompanying her at the time of the accident, was reportedly unharmed. Vehicle collisions with bears are not infrequent in the region, with 49 grizzly bear deaths recorded since 2009. 399’s death is the second grizzly fatality in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this year.
John Q. Hosedrinker