Current:Home > MarketsBlack bear euthanized after it attacks, injures child inside tent at Montana campground -Global Capital Summit
Black bear euthanized after it attacks, injures child inside tent at Montana campground
View
Date:2025-04-12 10:26:35
A girl was hospitalized after a black bear attacked and injured her while she was inside a tent at a private campground near Custer National Forest, Montana authorities say.
The child was inside a tent at a private campground south of Red Lodge when the subadult female black bear attacked the tent around 10 p.m. Sunday, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) said in a news release Tuesday. While authorities did not release the age or gender of the child, NBC Montana of Missoula reported the injured child was a 3-year-old girl, citing Chrissy Webb, a spokesperson for the FWP.
Game wardens and bear specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks responded to the incident, evacuated the campground and set up traps and snares to capture the bear, the news release said.
The injured child, meanwhile, was transported to a medical facility in Billings. An update on their injuries and condition was not available and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for an update.
The bear was captured the next afternoon, Sunday Aug. 12, and was shot and euthanized, according to FWP.
'Unsecured attractants' found near campsite
"FWP found unsecured attractants, including garbage, a cooler, and human food, around and inside the tent where the attack occurred," the news release said, adding the the black bear involved in the incident had no history of conflicts.
However, FWP said it was likely the bear had become "food-conditioned and human-habituated after accessing unsecured attractants in the area."
The agency said on-site evidence matched the physical characteristics of the bear and the animal that was euthanized was the one involved in the attack.
What to do if you spot a bear
The National Park Service suggests keeping a few things in mind in case of an encounter:
- Talk in a low, steady voice and do not scream or otherwise act suddenly.
- Make yourself appear as large as possible.
- Travel in groups and pick up small children upon sighting a bear.
- If you encounter a bear in your own yard, do not leave the house. Ensure everyone is secure inside before banging pots or making other loud noises to scare the bear away.
- If you see cubs, be extra cautious. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.
- It is also permissible to throw items and yell at the bear and fight back if attacked.
- Secure food, garbage and any other food items that are likely to attract bears.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (978)
Related
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Montana’s largest nursing home prepares to close following patient safety violations
- Trump shooter's online activity shows searches of rally site, use of encrypted platforms, officials say
- Bob Newhart, sitcom star and deadpan comedy legend, dies at 94
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Did the Trump gunman make a donation to Democrats? Here's what the records show.
- Jake Paul, Mike Perry engage in vulgar press conference before their fight Saturday night
- Bob Newhart, sitcom star and deadpan comedy legend, dies at 94
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- 12-foot Skelly gets a pet dog: See Home Depot's 2024 Halloween line
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- How Olympic Gymnast Jade Carey Overcomes Frustrating Battle With Twisties
- Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella shares she's cancer free: 'I miss my doctors already'
- Trump's national lead over Biden grows — CBS News poll
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson announces his retirement after nearly 15 years in the role
- What is swimmer’s itch? How to get rid of this common summertime rash
- Virginia lawmakers repeal restrictions on popular tuition waiver program for military families
Recommendation
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Espionage trial of US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia reaches closing arguments
Hurry! Save Up to 35% on Free People's Most-Loved Styles at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024
Bangladesh security forces fire bullets and sound grenades as protests escalate
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Britney Spears slams Ozzy Osbourne, family for mocking her dance videos as 'sad'
Jury returns mixed verdict in slaying of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll
'He was my hero': Hundreds honor Corey Comperatore at Pennsylvania memorial service