Bear Injures 3-Year-Old Girl in Tent at Montana Campground

A tragic incident occurred over the weekend when a 3-year-old girl was severely injured by a black bear while she was inside a tent at a private campground located just north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. According to reports from state wildlife officials, the attack happened around 10 p.m. on Sunday evening at a campground situated south of Red Lodge.

Following the incident, the young girl was promptly transported to a hospital in Billings for medical attention. As of Tuesday, officials from Fish, Wildlife and Parks did not have any updates regarding her condition, as stated by game warden Randy Hutzenbiler.

In response to the attack, the campground was evacuated, and traps were set up in the vicinity to catch the bear involved. On Monday afternoon, a bear suspected of being involved in the mauling was captured and subsequently euthanized. Hutzenbiler confirmed that authorities believe this bear was the one responsible for the incident, but they are continuing their efforts to trap any other bears in the area to ensure public safety.

In a statement shared on social media, the wildlife agency noted, “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.” Currently, traps remain in place as part of ongoing efforts.

Hutzenbiler highlighted the presence of attractants in the area, which can include food and unsecured garbage. These attractants can draw in wildlife, increasing the risk of bear encounters. Local residents, Don and Lisa Wilcox, expressed their concerns about camping in the area, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with tents. They mentioned that having campfires and food readily available makes it more likely for wild animals to be drawn to the site.

“The campfires and the food is out and about and everything like that, you’re gonna see it draw some wild animals,” Don Wilcox told a local news station. He added that he and his wife have changed their camping habits and now opt not to sleep in tents. They also make it a point to carry bear spray as a precautionary measure.

The wildlife agency advises campers to take certain precautions when staying in bear country. It is essential to keep food, garbage, and anything with a scent stored away from tents, preferably in bear-resistant containers or vehicles, to reduce the likelihood of bear interactions.

Bear attacks, while rare, can have dire consequences. In 2021, a tragic incident in Montana saw a grizzly bear pull a woman from her tent in the middle of the night, resulting in her death. Although black bears are generally smaller than grizzly bears, they are still capable of causing serious harm to humans.

Earlier this year in March, a woman from western Pennsylvania sustained serious injuries after a black bear attacked her while she was letting her dog outside. Additionally, last year, another woman was attacked by a black bear while walking her dog in Connecticut.

In another alarming case in June, an autopsy revealed that a woman found dead in her California home was killed by a black bear, marking the state’s first documented fatality from a bear attack.

The recent incident involving the young girl serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of camping in bear territory. The recommendations from wildlife officials stress the importance of taking necessary precautions to avoid bear encounters and ensure the safety of both campers and wildlife.

Source: local news reports