A section of the Custer Gallatin National Forest in southwestern Montana has been temporarily shut down following a severe grizzly bear attack on a hunter. The incident occurred on Friday when the hunter, who was tracking a deer, was attacked by the bear, as per the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. The hunting party promptly dialed 911 around 1:45 p.m., leading to the victim being airlifted to a nearby hospital by emergency crews.
The attack took place south of Big Sky, a well-known resort area situated approximately 55 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. In response to the incident, the U.S. Forest Service has enforced an emergency closure in the vicinity of the attack as they attempt to locate the bear, which is believed to have been injured during the encounter.
This incident is one of several recent aggressive encounters between humans and grizzly bears in Montana.
On September 2, a grizzly bear was euthanized after it broke into a house near West Yellowstone. This bear had a track record and had previously fatally attacked a woman on a forest trail west of Yellowstone National Park in July The bear, along with its cub, had entered the house through a kitchen window, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Later that day, the cub was captured and the 10-year-old female grizzly was shot under the authorization of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Genetic analysis and other identifying factors confirmed that the bear was responsible for the fatal attack on Amie Adamson, a 48-year-old former teacher from Kansas, which occurred about 8 miles from West Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park reports an average of one bear attack per year, with eight people having been killed by bears since the park’s establishment in 1872.
Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states. The Montana Department of Fish and Game has issued a warning that the likelihood of encounters between grizzlies and humans is increasing as the bear population expands in Montana. The department advises that this time of year sees bears being active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation, a period that coincides with hunting season and other fall recreational activities.
The US Forest Service has not specified how long the area will be closed to the public. The park borders the northeast part of Yellowstone National Park. The department recommends carrying bear spray and neither approaching nor running away from a bear.