A 73-year-old woman endured a harrowing bear attack while out for a walk with her husband and dog near the U.S.-Canada border. The incident unfolded around 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon, prompting a swift response from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials.
The assault occurred several miles west of North Fork Road along the banks of Trail Creek. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks authorities, the woman and her husband were on national forestland when a bear emerged from dense foliage and launched an attack. Thankfully, the woman’s husband used bear spray to deter the bear, prompting it to retreat. They quickly returned to their vehicle and sought emergency assistance.
In a rapid response to the emergency, an air ambulance was dispatched to the scene, situated approximately 20 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. The injured woman was airlifted to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana, located roughly 50 miles south of the bear attack location.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials have initiated an active investigation into the incident and are closely monitoring the area along Trail Creek known as the “Bubble ups,” where the creek flows underground before resurfacing. The investigation has led to the closure of the site for the time being. Authorities have not disclosed the specific species of bear involved in the attack.
Montana’s wilderness is renowned for being bear country, and in the autumn, bears become more active as they intensify their food consumption in preparation for hibernation. This heightened bear activity coincides with hunting season and various fall recreational activities. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued a statement emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflicts with bears, emphasizing that prevention is far easier than dealing with confrontations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and preparedness when venturing into bear territory, particularly during the active autumn season.