Missing Wisconsin couple found in Wyoming

CODY, Wyo. (AP) — A Wisconsin couple reported missing after a visit to Yellowstone National Park was found safe on a closed highway in Wyoming, where their car had been stuck for nearly a week, officials said Monday.

The owner of a guest ranch heard about the missing couple and went looking for them on his snowmobile. He found them Monday and took them back to the guest ranch, Park County sheriff's spokesman Lance Mathess said.

Mark and Kristine Wathke of Cornell, Wis., were cold and hungry but otherwise OK, Mathess said.

"We've had ranchers locate people before," Mathess said. "These people are amazing. They selflessly give of their time."

The Wathkes had enough fuel to run their car periodically to keep warm and had plenty of water but limited food, Mathess said. There is no cellphone coverage in the area.

They were last seen leaving the northeast entrance of Yellowstone at 4 p.m. Tuesday. They had hotel reservations in Miles City that night but didn't arrive.

Mathess said they did not see or ignored signs that said Beartooth Highway, or U.S. Highway 212, was closed for winter.