Bear Injures 3-Year-Old at Montana Campground Tent

A 3-year-old girl was mauled by a black bear while she was inside a tent at a private campground near Yellowstone National Park over the weekend, according to state wildlife officials. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday at a campground located south of Red Lodge.

The girl was rushed to a hospital in Billings, although the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) did not provide updates on her condition as of Tuesday. Randy Hutzenbiler, a game warden, confirmed the attack and the response that followed.

In response to the incident, the campground was evacuated, and traps were set in the vicinity. A bear believed to be involved in the attack was captured and euthanized by Monday afternoon. The FWP stated that while they believe they captured the bear responsible, they would continue their capture efforts in the area for thoroughness.

“FWP believes it was the bear involved in the incident, but is continuing with capture efforts at the site until tomorrow afternoon for due diligence,” the agency mentioned in a social media statement.

Officials indicated that attractants, such as food and unsecured garbage, may have contributed to the bear’s behavior. Hutzenbiler pointed out that such attractants were present at the campground, making the site a target for wildlife.

Don and Lisa Wilcox, a couple from Billings, shared their thoughts with MTN News, emphasizing that frequent hikers should be cautious since tents can be vulnerable to wildlife. Don commented, “The campfires and the food is out and about, and everything like that, you’re gonna see it draw some wild animals.” He mentioned that he and his wife no longer sleep in tents and always carry bear spray for protection.

The wildlife agency has reiterated the importance of keeping food, garbage, and anything with a scent out of tents. They recommend storing these items in bear-resistant containers or within vehicles when camping.

This incident underscores an important safety conversation, especially considering similar past occurrences. In 2021, a woman was tragically pulled from her tent and killed by a grizzly bear in Montana. Although black bears are generally smaller than grizzly bears, they can also pose serious threats to humans.

There have been various interactions between black bears and humans that highlight the danger these animals can present. In March, a woman in western Pennsylvania suffered serious injuries after a black bear attacked her when she let her dog outside. Furthermore, another black bear attack last year occurred in Connecticut when a woman was attacked while walking her dog.

In an even more alarming case, an autopsy revealed that a California woman found dead in her home in 2023 was killed by a black bear, marking the state’s first documented instance of a fatal black bear attack.

As wildlife interactions increase, experts urge campers and hikers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent bear encounters. Education and proactive measures can save lives and help protect both humans and bears in the wild.