BOZEMAN — A man is in critical but stable condition after being attacked by a grizzly bear near Big Sky.
It was a surprise encounter with the bear, according to Morgan Jacobsen of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Jacobsen said that shortly after 1 p.m. on Monday the man was mountain biking, came around a curve on a trail above Ousel Falls on private property, and was attacked by the bear.
He was by himself biking at the time of the attack, and was able to make it out to the road and make contact with other people.
The man sustained injuries to his face and back and was airlifted to Billings.
Wardens and bear specialists were on the scene and say it does not appear to be a predatory attack, with no indication the bear was chasing the man.
At this point, there is no indication that FWP plans to find or euthanize the bear.
The trail has been closed temporarily.
Jacobsen encourages people to be very aware and prepared for encounters with a bear, now that they're fully out of hibernation.
He says carry bear spray and know how to use it, travel in groups, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Man injured by grizzly bear along Sun River
- Three grizzly bears relocated by FWP
- 2 grizzly bears relocated after calf killed in Blackfoot area
