A local woman was mauled by a grizzly bear on a private ranch in the Tom Miner area north of Gardiner early Saturday.

The female victim and two companions were near the carcass of a domestic cow when the incident occurred.

When the bear made contact, the victim laid on her stomach to protect her vital organs. She was bitten on her legs and back.

Her companions used bear spray to scare off the bear and stop the attack.
The victim is being treated for her injuries.

This is the second mauling in southwest Montana in a little over a week. On Monday, Sept. 5, an archery hunter was mauled by a grizzly in the south end of the Gravelly Range.

While these incidents were relatively far from each other, both involved bears feeding on carcasses. In both cases, bear spray played an important role.

These events should serve as a stark reminder that Montana is bear country. Hunters and others working and playing in bear country should be especially alert for grizzlies, carry bear spray, and know how to use it.