Four people arrested for drag racing in Grand Teton National Park

USA Today

2 days ago

In Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, where bears and other large animals routinely cross highways, speeding is as dangerous for wildlife as it is for tourists.
So it was troubling Tuesday when rangers received reports of people drag racing on one of the park's scenic highways.
A rapid response involved 12 rangers, according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide, resulting in the arrests of four people and the impoundment of their high-end sports cars.
Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins is quoted: 'This kind of behavior is unsafe, irresponsible, and completely unacceptable in a national park. It puts visitors, staff and wildlife at serious risk.'
Few details were disclosed as the park continues its investigation. But the drag racing was said to have occurred on Teton Park Road, which spans from Jackson Lake Junction to Moose Junction.
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I was in the park last month and saw a large black bear and several pronghorn feeding along this stretch. Down toward Moose, I saw two actual moose crossing the road.
Just north of Jackson Lake Junction, I spotted a grizzly bear momma with a yearling cub repeatedly crossing Highway 89, creating traffic issues. (See images.)
Many will recall that in early May a 5-year-old grizzly bear was killed as a result of a vehicle strike inside the park. The bear was one of the famous 'quad' siblings born to the legendary Grizzly Bear 399 in 2020.
Sadly, Grizzly Bear 399 died after a vehicle strike south of the park last fall.