Black Bear Euthanized After Attacking Child Inside Tent at Montana Campground
A distressing incident unfolded near Custer National Forest in Montana, where a black bear attacked and injured a young child inside a tent at a private campground. The event occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, when the bear, described as a subadult female, managed to penetrate the tent and cause harm to a 3-year-old girl. Authorities quickly responded to the scene, and the child was rushed to a medical facility in Billings for treatment. Her current condition remains undisclosed, and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide further updates.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) took immediate action following the attack. The campground was evacuated to ensure the safety of other visitors, and bear specialists were deployed to capture the animal responsible for the attack. The black bear was located and euthanized the following day, August 12. This decision was made after determining that the bear was indeed the one involved in the incident, based on matching physical characteristics and on-site evidence.
The investigation revealed that the bear had accessed unsecured attractants around and inside the tent, including garbage, a cooler, and human food. These attractants likely contributed to the bear becoming “food-conditioned and human-habituated,” a condition where bears lose their natural fear of humans and start associating people with food. This type of behavior is dangerous and can lead to aggressive encounters, as evidenced by this incident.
The FWP emphasized that the bear involved had no prior history of conflicts with humans, which underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife when their food sources are not properly managed. The presence of unsecured food and garbage not only poses risks to humans but can also lead to the bear’s death, as it becomes more likely to approach human habitats in search of food.
In response to this unfortunate event, wildlife officials and safety experts offer several guidelines to minimize the risk of bear encounters:
- Secure Food and Garbage: Ensure that all food items, garbage, and attractants are properly stored in bear-proof containers or hung high out of reach. This prevents bears from accessing food sources and becoming habituated to human environments.
- Stay Calm During Encounters: If you encounter a bear, avoid sudden movements and maintain a calm demeanor. Talk in a low, steady voice to avoid startling the animal.
- Make Yourself Appear Larger: In bear encounters, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or standing on an object if possible. This can help deter the bear from approaching.
- Travel in Groups: Bears are less likely to approach larger groups of people. When hiking or camping in bear country, travel with others and keep small children close.
- Avoid Cubs: If you encounter bear cubs, do not approach them. Mother bears are highly protective of their young and may become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their cubs.
- Act Wisely If Attacked: If a bear attacks, fight back with any available objects and make noise to scare it away. It is important to remember that securing food and garbage is the best way to prevent such dangerous encounters.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining proper safety measures in bear country. By following these guidelines, campers and outdoor enthusiasts can help ensure both their safety and the well-being of the wildlife they encounter
