KALISPELL — UPDATE: Sept. 3 at 1:20 p.m.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has provided an update on the grizzly bear attack Monday evening that left a woman seriously injured.
According to officials, evidence at the scene reveals that the bear was a female with at least one cub.
Officials said that investigators also located a cached whitetail deer carcass about 100 yards off the trail.
According to officials, they have concluded that the incident was "a surprise defensive encounter."
Officials said they will take no further action to locate the bear because of the nature of the attack.
For the public's safety, officials said the area will remain closed until further notice.
Additionally, officials said the victim's dog sustained no injuries and has been reunited with family.
“This unexpected defensive encounter is truly unfortunate,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Officials said they cannot release the victim's identity or health status.
Original Story:
A woman was left seriously injured following a bear attack that took place on Monday evening north of Columbia Falls, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Officials said the woman was walking her dog on the Cedar Flat trail complex around 7 p.m. when the bear attacked her. She was hospitalized with serious injuries as a result.
Crews from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Forest Service and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office searched for the bear through the use of drone technology, but it was not located. The species of bear is unknown, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The incident remains under investigation, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The area is currently closed for public safety.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a collection of resources and safety tips when it comes to encountering bears in the wild. Click here for more information.
