Authorities in Montana confirmed last weekend that a black girl attacked and injured a small child who was camping on a private campsite. According to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the child was camping close to Red Lodge and was attacked by a bear while inside of her tent.
According to the release, on August 11, a “subadult female black bear” attacked and injured the child inside of a tent. Bear specialists and game wardens reportedly responded quickly to the incident, capturing and euthanizing the bear to ensure that it did not attack any other campers on the grounds.
The child was reportedly transported to a medical facility in Billings, though the press release did not reveal the condition of the child who was injured. The campground owner also worked with local authorities to evacuate the entire site while wardens placed traps and snares across the site. The bear was captured the following day, on August 12.
Why Did the Bear Attack?
While the bear did not have any history of attacking humans on the camp site, experts said that the bear was likely “food-conditioned and human-habituated” after accessing unsecured food items in the area around the campsite.
“Evidence at the site matches the physical characteristics of the bear and FWP believes the bear killed was the bear involved in the attack,” the report reveals. Wardens discovered unsecured food, garbage, and a cooler located inside and outside of the tent, which is likely the cause of the attack.
In the official press release, wardens provided advice to campers on how to avoid black bear attacks – and while they didn’t explicitly say that the attack was the fault of the campers, it seemed to be implied. After noting that the campers did not properly secure their food, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said that campers should “properly store unattended food and anything else with a scent.” Campers are advised to store their food in IGBC-certified bear restraint containers and to use temporary electric fencing to avoid bear attacks overnight.
