GREAT FALLS - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack on a hunter on state-owned land near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte south of Augusta.

The victim was archery hunting on the morning of Sept. 14 when he encountered the bear and was attacked, sustaining significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The hunter drove himself home after the attack and was transported to Benefis Hospital by private vehicle for treatment.

FWP’s priority is human safety, and game wardens and bear management specialists are continuing their investigation and posting signs in the area to notify the public of bear activity.

The species of the bear involved is currently unknown, and the incident remains under investigation. No further details are available at this time.

Montana is bear country, and hunters can help stay safe when afield by following these safety tips:

• Pack meat out as soon as possible.
• Avoid cutting up carcass at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
• Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
• If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
• Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
• If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
• Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.
• Download: How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country (PDF)
  
  

  More information on bear attack near Augusta

  GREAT FALLS – Evidence collected at the site of a bear attack near Augusta confirms it was a grizzly bear that attacked a hunter on Monday morning.

  The attack happened when an archery hunter encountered the bear and was attacked, sustaining significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The attack happened on state land along Elk Creek southwest of Augusta.

  Investigators collected bear hair found on the victim and at the scene of the attack along with tracks. They also located the carcass of a domestic cow they suspect was killed by a bear about 150 yards from where the attack occurred. FWP specialists continue to investigate the attack in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services.

  In coordination with Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, the area where the attack took place has been signed and is closed to public access, effective immediately, and until further notice.

  FWP cannot release the identity or health status of the victim.

  Grizzly bear euthanized near Augusta in response to livestock depredation

  GREAT FALLS - A grizzly bear was euthanized Tuesday evening 9.15 southwest of Augusta. The bear was euthanized in response to livestock depredation.

  The bear was feeding on a cow carcass on state land about three miles away from where an archery hunter was attacked along Elk Creek near Haystack Butte Monday morning. The hunter sustained significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The attack was determined to be a surprise defensive encounter given the fed-upon carcass of another domestic cow about 150 yards away.

  The euthanized bear was an adult female without cubs. A total of three cattle carcasses were found in the area and all were determined to have been killed by a grizzly bear. The decision by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to euthanize the bear at this site was made due to the livestock depredations and was in agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services and FWP.  

  It is unknown if the euthanized bear is the same bear involved in the human attack, but due to the surprise and defensive nature of the encounter, no further action will be taken to locate the bear.

  Access to the state-owned land from the Elk Creek Road remains closed for the time being due to the cow carcasses remaining in the area.