The grizzly bear that attacked a woman near Columbia Falls, Montana, on Monday was acting defensively, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced Thursday.
The woman had been walking her dog on the Cedar Flats trail system north of town when she was mauled around 7 p.m. She sustained significant injuries and was transported to Logan Health Medical Center for treatment. The dog was unharmed.
That same evening, investigators with MFWP, the U.S. Forest Service, and officials from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office searched for the bear but were unable to locate it despite aid from an infrared drone.
Evidence at the scene ultimately revealed the animal had been a sow grizzly with at least one cub born this year. Investigating officials also located the cached carcass of a whitetail deer about 100 yards off the trail from where the attack happened.
“Given the presence of the cub, the nearby food resource, and other information, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks specialists have concluded the incident was a surprise defensive encounter,” the agency said in its Sept. 3 statement. “Because of the circumstances and the nature of the attack, no further action will be taken to locate the bear.”
The area remains closed to the public until further notice.
“This unexpected defensive encounter is truly unfortunate,” MFWP director Christy Clark said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
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This is the third known grizzly bear attack in Montana in 2026. A hiker in Glacier National Park was fatally mauled in early May. Later that month a sow grizzly in the park attacked another hiker, who sustained injuries to his arm. This summer animal advocates petitioned the state to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray.