Exhausted And Dehydrated Backpackers Airlifted Out Of Wyoming Backcountry
Two backpackers were rescued from the remote Teton Wilderness in Wyoming after arriving at an outfitter camp severely dehydrated and exhausted following a reported bear encounter.
Teton County Search and Rescue received an emergency call shortly after 7pm on Monday, August 24th. An outfitter reported that two brothers in their early 30s had reached a guide camp in the Hawk’s Rest area of the wilderness.
One of the men reportedly had torn pants and bear spray residue on his arm after an encounter with a bear. Both men were described as severely dehydrated and tired. The Hawk’s Rest area is considered one of the most remote and wild locations in the Lower 48, making the rescue particularly challenging.
Helicopter Rescue Begins Tuesday Morning
Because the backpackers were not believed to be in immediate danger and the call came late in the evening, Teton County Search and Rescue waited until first light Tuesday to deploy a helicopter team.
At approximately 8am on August 25th, a pilot and two volunteer rescuers landed at the reported location.
When the team arrived, they discovered that one of the brothers had separated from the other and left the site earlier that morning. Rescuers began preparing for the possibility of a larger ground search that would require additional personnel and safety equipment.
The separated backpacker ultimately returned to the original location, allowing rescuers to avoid a larger ground operation. Both men were loaded into the helicopter and transported to Teton County Search and Rescue headquarters in Jackson.
Search And Rescue Issues Backcountry Safety Reminder
Officials urged hikers and backpackers to prepare appropriately for their objectives and carry adequate clothing, equipment, food, and water for the entire trip. The agency also emphasized the importance of groups staying together, particularly after making an emergency call.
The rescue serves as another reminder that even experienced backcountry travelers can quickly encounter dangerous conditions in remote wilderness areas where help may be hours away.
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