Tourists will not be able to hike some trails in Montana’s Custer Gallatin National Forest. All because of a grizzly bear attacking a hunter. The US Department of Fisheries and Wildlife reminded that the species is very common in the region and people should beware.
Montana has decided to close part of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The decision was made on Friday due to a serious attack by a grizzly bear that pounced on a hunter.
It is not known what condition it is in
The U.S. Forest Service said the park is closed to visitors until further notice. Before 2 p.m. local time on Friday, employees received a call from a group of hunters who reported that their companion had been “attacked by a grizzly bear while tracking a deer.” The man shot at the animal and probably injured it.
The person who reported the incident said the victim “needs immediate medical attention near the Yellow Mule Trail near Big Sky.”
Rescuers and a search and rescue team arrived at the scene. The man was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Bozeman. It is unclear what the injured person’s condition is.
Park officials said two trails, the Yellow Mule Trail and the Buck Ridge Trail, were closed.
Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) – illustrative phototoseeg/Shutterstock
The most in the entire USA
The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife recalled that grizzly bears are the state animal of Montana. This state boasts the largest population in the entire United States. The department added that in most of the country, grizzlies are protected species.
Because “they can be anywhere”, residents and tourists should take their presence into account. To prevent similar situations, they recommend wearing a special repellent spray and keeping an appropriate distance.
Main photo source: toseeg/Shutterstock