Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Chipewyan, Alta (Jan 21/02) - RCMP are being tight-lipped on details of an incident resulting in the death of a trapper in Wood Buffalo National Park.

John Edward Simpson was attacked by a wounded bison in a remote section of the park, while hunting by snowmobile along his trapline two weekends ago.

If the bison's wound was caused by Simpson shooting it for food, it was illegal. But he may have shot it in self-defence, police said.

"We're not saying he shot the buffalo, we don't know that," said Cpl. Grant Bulford.

"The buffalo had been wounded and I can't really say too much about that at this point."

"I don't want to commit to a position."

He said he may have more information later this week.

Overall, law enforcement officers say, aboriginal hunters respect the ban against hunting the Wood Buffalo National Park herd, estimated to number 3,200.

Park warden Jonah Mitch-ell said wildlife officers know of only one other bison that was ever shot in the park.

Simpson was one of several trappers licensed to hunt moose in the park. The 68-year-old maintained a trapline and cabin near Peace Point, in the middle of the park.

For years, Simpson was a park fire crew employee.

Friends went searching for Simpson Jan. 11 when he did not return on time to his cabin.

About an hour's drive south of Peace River they found his snowmobile, rifle, cap, along with signs he had been injured.

As darkness fell, one friend drove to Fort Smith to tell RCMP.

Police and more friends joined a search.

In the middle of the night they found Simpson's body and, nearby, a lone aggressive bison. It was shot about six times, Cpl. Bulford said.

Mitchell said he knows of no other instances in which a buffalo has harmed a human, although they have twice charged at tourists in cars.

He said wild animals can always be unpredictable, especially if cornered. But most aggressive behaviour takes place during mating season in autumn or in spring, when the animals protect their new calves.