UPDATE: Aug. 13 at 2:10 p.m.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports a young female black bear attacked a 3-year-old girl at a campground south of Red Lodge Sunday night.
The child was taken to a medical center in Billings.
FWP set up a bear trap and worked with the campground owner to evacuate people off the property on Monday morning.
More traps and snares were placed in the campground after it was entirely evacuated.
According to FWP, the bear was shot and killed on Monday afternoon.
FWP said they found attractants, including trash, a cooler and human food in and around the tent where the attack took place.
The black bear involved in the attack did not have previous conflicts, according to FWP, but it likely became used to humans and human food after getting into attractants in the area.
FWP said they believe the bear that was euthanized was the same bear involved in the attack after evidence was found at the campground replicating the bear’s physical characteristics.
People are encouraged to remain bear aware when recreating in the wilderness.
UPDATE: Aug. 13 at 9:17 a.m.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks captured and euthanized a black bear they said they believe was involved in the attack of a 3-year-old girl at a campground south of Red Lodge Sunday.
The bear was captured at site of the incident.
FWP said on social media capture efforts are ongoing for due diligence until Tuesday afternoon.
The incident is still under investigation.
RED LODGE, Mont. – Montana game wardens are looking for a bear who they say attacked a 3-year-old girl near Red Lodge Sunday night.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Communication and Education Manager Chrissy Wedd said they are currently working with the private campground owner to evacuate the site.
FWP does not want to share the exact name of the site, but said it is south of Red Lodge.
The 3-year-old girl was attacked while she was sleeping in her tent.
She was taken to a medical facility in Billings. Webb said she is unsure of the girl’s current condition.
People are reminded to make sure any bear attractants are put away and secured, especially at night to avoid instances like this.
We are working to find out more information.
