JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) volunteers responded to back-to-back backcountry emergencies earlier this week, highlighting the importance of preparation and safety when venturing into the backcountry.
Green Mountain Trail Fall
The first call arrived just before 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, after a 70-year-old backpacker tripped and fell while descending the Green Mountain Trail on the west side of the Tetons. The woman was left injured and stranded about two miles from the North Leigh Canyon trailhead.
Nine TCSAR volunteers hiked in from both ends of the trail, using a wheeled stretcher to carry her out to an awaiting Teton County, Idaho Fire & Rescue ambulance. She was then turned over to medics for further care.
Hawk’s Rest Bear Encounter
A second call came in late Monday evening from an outfitter in the remote Hawk’s Rest area. Two brothers in their early 30s had wandered into the guide camp severely dehydrated and exhausted following a bear encounter, which left one man with torn pants and bear spray residue on his arm.
Determining that the brothers weren’t in immediate Danger, TCSAR volunteers responded with a helicopter team at first light on Tuesday.
As the crew landed at the site, rescuers learned one brother had separated from the group and departed earlier that morning. Fortunately, as team members began coordinating a larger ground search, the missing hiker returned to the camp. Both men were flown back to TCSAR headquarters in Jackson.
“Our team is here to help, and the volunteers appreciated the opportunity to bring these backpackers out of the wilderness,” TCSAR shared in a statement on social media, emphasizing safety reminders for all backcountry visitors:
- Preparation is essential: All backcountry users should make sure they are prepared for their chosen objective and carry adequate gear, clothing, and enough food and water for the duration of their trip.
- Stay together: It also is very important for groups to stay together, especially after making an emergency call.
