Child hospitalized after black bear attack at campground in Montana

A tranquil summer evening at a private campground near Red Lodge, Montana, turned into a harrowing ordeal when a black bear attacked a 3-year-old girl inside her tent. The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, has left the community in shock and raised concerns about wildlife interactions in recreational areas.

The young girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, was sleeping inside a tent when the subadult female black bear attacked. The campground, located south of Red Lodge and near Custer National Forest, was quickly evacuated following the attack. The child was transported to a medical facility in Billings, Montana, for treatment. As of the latest reports, she is set to be released from the hospital, though details about her injuries and recovery have not been fully disclosed.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) officials responded promptly to the incident. Game wardens and bear specialists were dispatched to the scene, where they set up traps and snares to capture the bear responsible for the attack. The bear was successfully captured the following day and was subsequently euthanized. The decision to euthanize the bear was made after confirming that the captured animal matched the physical characteristics of the one involved in the attack.

The FWP's investigation revealed that unsecured attractants, including garbage, a cooler, and human food, were found both around and inside the tent where the attack occurred. These attractants likely contributed to the bear becoming "food-conditioned and human-habituated," as stated by the wildlife agency. Despite having no prior history of aggressive encounters, the bear's behavior was influenced by the availability of human food sources.

This incident underscores the importance of proper food storage and waste management in bear country. The presence of unsecured attractants can lead to dangerous interactions between humans and wildlife, as bears become accustomed to seeking out human food. The FWP continues to maintain traps in the area as a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of campers and residents.

Bear encounters, while rare, are a serious concern in areas where wildlife and human activities intersect. The National Park Service provides guidelines for safely navigating bear country, emphasizing the importance of securing food and garbage, traveling in groups, and making noise to avoid surprising bears. In the event of a bear sighting, individuals are advised to speak in a low, steady voice, make themselves appear large, and avoid sudden movements. If a bear is encountered in a residential area, it is crucial to ensure that everyone is indoors before attempting to scare the bear away with loud noises.

The attack near Red Lodge serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors and respecting the habitats of the wildlife that reside there. As the young girl recovers, the community is left to reflect on the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has prompted discussions among local authorities and wildlife experts about enhancing safety protocols at campgrounds and educating the public on best practices for coexisting with wildlife. As the summer camping season continues, the focus remains on ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy Montana's natural landscapes safely and responsibly.