Officials have confirmed that the death of a woman in Montana was the result of a bear encounter, as grizzly bear tracks were discovered at the scene. The investigation into the attack is still ongoing, but in response to the tragedy, rangers have enacted an emergency closure of the area where the woman was found, which is a popular spot for hikers.

This incident comes at a time when Montana is experiencing an increase in grizzly bear sightings and a rise in the grizzly bear population. Just last week, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued a news release warning visitors about confirmed grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Great Yellowstone ecosystems. They urged campers and park visitors to take precautionary measures such as carrying bear spray, properly storing food while outdoors, and disposing of garbage properly.

While bear attacks are relatively rare in Yellowstone National Park, the park has sadly seen a total of eight fatalities caused by bears since its establishment in 1872. However, the National Park Service (NPS) has emphasized that more deaths have occurred from drowning and burns from falling into hot springs than from bear attacks. In fact, the NPS highlighted that the probability of being killed by a bear in the park is slightly higher than the probability of being killed by a falling tree, an avalanche, or being struck by lightning.

In a separate incident last year near Yellowstone National Park, a grizzly bear was killed after it was found defending a moose carcass. Wildlife officials believe that the bear may have aggressively guarded the cache due to a recent fight with another grizzly. These incidents serve as somber reminders of the precautions that visitors should take while venturing into bear country.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks advises people to be vigilant and watch for signs of bear activity, such as bear scat, diggings, turned-over rocks, and partially consumed animal carcasses. They also emphasize the importance of traveling in groups, during daylight hours, and avoiding areas with carcass sights or concentrations of scavengers.

As the investigation into the recent bear attack continues, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and to follow necessary safety measures to minimize the risk of bear encounters. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of interacting with wildlife and the need for heightened awareness and preparedness when exploring the great outdoors.