Two campers on private land in Montana were awakened early last Thursday morning when a large animal believed to have been a bear began pushing or “falling” on their tent, wildlife officials reported Tuesday.
The campers began kicking and yelling to scare the animal away. In doing so, one camper, a woman, was bitten through the tent, according to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The suspected bear then left the campsite without the campers seeing it. But based on the animal’s behavior and nature of the bite wound, the FWP determined that it was an adult-age bear, though no bear tracks were found to determine whether it was a grizzly or black bear.
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The unidentified victim sought medical treatment for “relatively minor” injuries.
The incident occurred in Beehive Basin just northwest of Big Sky,
“Initial details of the incident indicate the bear’s behavior was likely investigative, not predatory, and that the bite was defensive,” the FWP said. “The victim reported that their food was stored securely in their vehicle, not in the tent, and that they were wearing clean clothes.”
The U.S. Forest Service and the FWP posted warning signs in the area, where wildlife officials will monitor closely for potentially hazardous bear behavior.
The incident comes on the heels of a grizzly bear attacking a mountain biker near Big Sky in the last week of May, according to the Billings Gazette. The biker is said to have likely surprised the grizzly bear after rounding a sharp corner on the trail. He sustained injuries to his face and back.
The FWP issued these recommended precautions for avoiding negative encounters with bears:
Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign.
Carry and know how to use bear spray.
Stay away from animal carcasses.
Travel in groups and make noise whenever possible.
Follow U.S. Forest Service food storage regulations.
If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.
If a bear approaches your tent, make your presence known gradually. If it attempts to enter your tent, fight back.
Photos courtesy of the CPW and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.