Wednesday, November 19, 2008
National Park Service faulted in biologist's death
PHOENIX (AP) -- The death of a wildlife biologist from the plague a year ago in Arizona is blamed on poor training.
Eric York came down with the disease days after recovering the body of a mountain lion, and performing a necropsy on it in his garage. He did not wear gloves or a respirator.
A report by the National Park Service says York was never trained on the potential of catching diseases. The report adds that the Park Service didn't formally assess the danger he and other workers could encounter on the job, and didn't monitor his activities or review job hazards.
The deputy superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park admits the agency made mistakes. She says they had protocols, but they didn't necessarily make sure they were followed.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
