Cyclist survives deer encounter

A motorcyclist had to be airlifted to the hospital after running into a deer on Lakeview Drive at U.S. 93 Wednesday night.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Ed Sievers, the man was not wearing a helmet or any protective clothing and suffered “all kinds of abrasions, including one great big giant gash on his head” when he struck the deer just north of Lakeside at about 9:40 p.m.

Despite the man’s injuries, Sievers said he was in stable condition when he was transported by the ALERT helicopter.

“He apparently has no broken bones, either,” Sievers said. “He’ll just be sore for a long time.”

The deer was killed in the collision.

In addition to ALERT and the highway patrol, the Lakeside Quick Response Unit, Smith Valley Fire Department and South Kalispell Fire Department also responded to the crash.