Grizzly bear attacks mountain biker near Big Sky

A man in his 60s was attacked by a grizzly bear Monday while mountain biking in the Spanish Peaks area near Big Sky in Gallatin County, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The man, who was alone at the time of the attack, was able to walk out and get help from passing motorists. He was later flown to Billings for medical treatment and was in critical but stable condition Monday evening.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks was notified of the attack shortly after 1 p.m. Monday. FWP wardens and bear specialists responded, with help from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and confirmed that it was a grizzly bear that attacked the man. Initial details indicate the attack was spurred by a surprise close encounter between the man and the bear and was not predatory.

This incident is still under investigation.

The trail where the attack occurred is on private land, and FWP has worked with the landowner to close the trail at this time.