A woman who reported a bear attack in a remote section of the Cabinet Mountains south of Libby earlier this week sustained serious injuries during her surprise defensive encounter with the animal, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The agency says the victim is a field assistant working on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly bear project. The type of bear involved in the conflict remains unknown at this time. Trace evidence collected at the scene has been submitted for analysis.
FWP says the woman reported the incident Thursday morning. She was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center via ALERT Air Ambulance from the Poorman Creek area.
Northwest Montana is home to both grizzly and black bears. Bears are active in springtime and FWP urges residents and recreationists to be “bear aware.”