UPDATE 12:22 P.M.: Fish, Wildlife and Parks says it has euthanized a grizzly bear involved in a Wednesday night attack on a hiker.
According to a news release, the hiker encountered a sow and her cub at close range and the sow attacked.
The bear bit the hiker in the thigh. The hiker was armed with a pistol and shot the bear. The retreated and the hiker returned to his home. He was met by emergency crews while enroute to the hospital.
FWP says the bear likely attacked the hiker to protect the cub.
Wildlife managers searched for the bear late into the night on Wednesday. It was located Thursday morning with the help of a helicopter and ground crews.
FWP did not release any information on the status of the cub.
CONRAD-A man was attacked by a grizzly bear west of Conrad Wednesday evening.
The Pondera County Sheriff’s Office received a report around 9:00 p.m. on Apr. 8 for a hiker that was mauled near Dupuyer.
The man was able to fend off the bear and get medical help, but the extent of his injuries are not being released at this time.
Montana Fish, Wild and Parks is searching for the bear.
The grizzly may have been shot. Dupuyer area residents are asked to stay safe and report any bear sighting to law enforcement.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are asking people to take extra precautions now that bears are emerging from hibernation and venturing out looking for food.
Anyone recreating in bear country is highly encouraged to have bear spray.
Proper use of bear spray has proven to be the best method for reducing the severity of a bear attack and fending off threatening or attacking bears.
We will have more on this story as information becomes available.
