NewsOutdoors

Actions

Man injured by grizzly bear along Sun River

Posted at 7:02 PM, May 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-17 21:02:45-04

A man is recovering after being injured by a female grizzly bear on Sunday northwest of Augusta.

It happened on Department of Natural Resources & Conservation land above the Willow Creek Reservoir where the group had been camping.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks spokesman Greg Lemon says that a group of people were camping and floating along the Sun River.

At about 8:30 a.m., one of the people stepped into the bushes along the edge of the river, inadvertently coming between the sow and her two-year old cub, according to Lemon.

The sow immediately attacked the man, who sustained several bite wounds, including to his abdominal area.

The man was airlifted to a hospital and is recovering from his injuries, which are not life-threatening.

FWP investigated the incident and said that no actions will be taken toward the bear.

Lemon said that this is the time of year when people need to be "bear aware."

MAY 16: Three grizzly bears relocated by FWP

APRIL 21: Grizzly cubs doing well at Montana WILD