Area north of Gardiner closed due to bear activity

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Oct 27, 2009 at 4:33 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 27, 2009 at 4:33 PM MDT

GARDINER - The Gallatin National Forest has implemented an emergency closure for the Beattie Gulch area north of Gardiner because grizzly bears are feeding on gut piles left by hunters.

Gardiner District Ranger Mary Maj says the bears are gathering near the trail and the trailhead, posing safety concerns. The closure includes the area from the Beattie Gulch trailhead to the north where National Forest land borders private land. The closure extends southward to the Yellowstone National Park border and to the west approximately 2.5 miles.

Maj says the district understands the closure is an inconvenience for hunters and the area will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. Two hunters were attacked in the Beattie Gulch area in the fall of 2007. The bear believed responsible was killed last fall.

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