Bear with cubs nearby attacks hunter near ‘kill site’ in Big Sky, Montana officials say

A bear attacked a hunter after he got too close to a kill site in Big Sky, Montana officials said.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said a 69-year-old man went “too close to a kill site near Flattop Mountain” where his friend previously harvested an animal, according to a Monday news release. The bear, which was with her cubs, injured the man’s shoulder and hip.

He was taken to an ambulance by Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Big Sky Fire Department, Yellowstone Club Security, and Montana Highway Patrol. He was transported to the Big Sky Medical Center.

“Sheriff Brian Gootkin would like to remind hunters and hikers that bears more actively search for food in the fall and can be protective of their food sources,” the release reads. “When hunting or hiking in bear country, always have some form of repellent easily accessible on you. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged in case you have an emergency and need to use it.”

The incident follows another grizzly bear attack in Big Sky in May, KBZK reported. A mountain biker was treated for broken bones in his ribs, jaw, and face, according to the publication.

This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Bear with cubs nearby attacks hunter near ‘kill site’ in Big Sky, Montana officials say."