Dogs band together to protect pups from bears in tense standoff
A group of dogs banded together to defend their pups against a bear by barking and biting the attacker to give the cubs a chance to escape.
Connor Ling, AP Stringer
A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized Sunday after she was attacked by a bear near the U.S.-Canada border in northern Montana, state wildlife officials said.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials, the woman was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Kalispell, in northeastern Montana near Glacier National Park. Her condition and identity have not been released.
The woman, her husband and a dog were in the Trail Creek “Bubble Ups” area of the Flathead National Forest when a bear attacked them around 3 p.m., according to Montana authorities. Her husband used bear spray to scare the creature away and the couple returned to their vehicle and drove to an area where they could call emergency services, the release said.
The park area is closed as the investigation is ongoing. Wildlife authorities did not confirm what species of bear was involved in the attack.
Encounters with bears increase before hibernation
This is at least the second reported bear attack in less than a month in Montana. State wildlife officials warned the public that Montana is “bear country” and that the animals are active for longer periods in the fall as they eat more food in preparation for hibernation.
According to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, a man was attacked by a grizzly bear on September 8 near Big Sky, Montana. He was part of a group of hunters who were tracking a deer. The man was flown by helicopter to a local hospital for further treatment.
Additionally, two people were killed by a grizzly bear in Banff National Park in western Canada last week. Rescue workers were notified of the attack but were unable to reach the scene for several hours due to the storm.
Canadian wildlife officials have found an aggressive grizzly bear in the area and euthanized it in the interest of public safety. Parts of Banff National Park have been closed as a precaution.
Officials did not identify the two people, but The Associated Press reported that they were a Canadian couple who were “very experienced outdoor enthusiasts.”
‘Tragic’: Two people have died in a grizzly bear attack in Canada’s Banff National Park
Always be aware
Fatal attacks by grizzly bears are extremely rare. According to wildlife officials, only 14% of attacks worldwide result in deaths. Anyone exploring the hinterland can expect to encounter wildlife.
The US Forest Service offered important tips if a bear is encountered in the wild:
- Stay calm.
- Put groups together and pick up small children.
- Face the bear and slowly back away. Speak calmly to recognize yourself as a human being.
- If the bear approaches you, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms over your head and making loud noises.
- Carry bear spray with you and be prepared to use it immediately.