Biologist seriously injured as bear charges from 100 yards away, Montana officials say

A bear charged and attacked a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Wednesday, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

The biologist was working on a sage grouse monitoring project on Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge when the scientist heard a noise, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

“The biologist heard a noise in the sagebrush and turned to see two grizzly bears in a close-encounter situation, approximately 80 to 100 yards away,” FWP said. “One bear stood up, and the other charged the biologist.”

The biologist pulled bear spray and sprayed the bear during the attack until it ran away. The biologist had “serious bite wounds” but was expected to recover, Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

“The biologist began leaving the site while reporting the incident to other USFWS staff, who came and helped the individual get medical attention,” FWP said. “The biologist was transported to Rexburg, Idaho, for medical treatment and was released later Wednesday afternoon.”

The bears could have been siblings about 3 years old, FWP said. Idaho Fish and Game assisted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in the early stages of the ongoing investigation.

Seven people have been injured by bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this year, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said.

“Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in new places,” FWP said. “Being prepared for such encounters is more important than ever to keep people and property safe and to cultivate natural bear behavior.”

This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Biologist seriously injured as bear charges from 100 yards away, Montana officials say."