Yellowstone NP Visitor Facing Charges After Not Retreating From Bear

An Illinois woman faces criminal charges after she was captured on video being bluff charged by a grizzly bear while she was taking photos in Yellowstone National Park.

The woman was among a small group of tourists who spotted the female grizzly and her two cubs on May 15th, in the Roaring Mountain area of the park.

Witnesses told investigators that when they saw the bears coming closer, they returned to their vehicles and warned the woman to get back, but she did not until after the sow grizzly charged her.

Park regulations require visitors stay at least 300 feet away from bears and wolves.

Video of the encounter was widely shared on social media.

On May 25th, the park posted a photo of the woman along with a plea for tips that could help identify her.