FWP: Woman in bear attack suffered serious injuries

The woman attacked by a bear Thursday in a remote section of the Cabinet Mountains was working on a grizzly bear project for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released information Friday afternoon that the woman sustained serious injuries in a surprise defensive encounter involving a bear. The incident occurred in the Poorman Creek area south of Libby.

The victim reported the incident at about 11 a.m. She was transported by ambulance to an area along U.S. 2 where the ALERT air ambulance arrived and transported her to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

The type of bear involved in the conflict remains unknown. Trace evidence collected at the scene is being submitted for analysis.

The FWP Region 1 Wildlife Human Attack Response Team was dispatched to the area upon notification and the investigation continues.

Wildlife officials remind people that Northwest Montana is bear country with abundant populations of grizzlies and black bears. Bears are active in springtime and residents are asked to secure attractants around their properties. Recreationists are urged to be “bear aware” and follow precautionary steps and tips to prevent conflicts:

- Carry and know how to use bear pepper spray for emergencies;

- Travel in groups of three or more people whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours;

- Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses;

- Make your presence known by talking, singing, carrying a bell, or other means, especially when near streams or in thick forest where visibility is low. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present;

- Use caution in areas like berry patches where bears occur;

- Don’t approach a bear; respect their space and move off.