In a terrifying incident near Big Sky, Montana, a grizzly bear attacked a hunter on Friday, prompting the temporary closure of a section of Custer Gallatin National Forest as wildlife officials attempted to locate the injured animal. The hunter, who was part of a hunting party tracking a deer, encountered the grizzly at around 1:45 p.m. near the Yellow Mule Trail. The Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue reported that the bear was shot at and likely wounded during the encounter.

Emergency crews swiftly responded to the remote area where the attack took place and airlifted the injured hunter to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. As of now, there is no update on the extent of the hunter's injuries or their current condition.

In response to the incident, the U.S. Forest Service announced the emergency closure of the Yellow Mule Trails and all access to Buck Ridge Trail until further notice. This closure aims to ensure the safety of other visitors while officials track down the wounded grizzly bear.

It is worth noting that encounters between grizzly bears and humans have been on the rise in Montana due to the increasing bear population. Last week, another grizzly bear and its cub broke into an unoccupied house near West Yellowstone, devouring a container of dog food. The authorities had to kill the adult bear, while the cub was captured alive. Genetic analysis confirmed that this bear was responsible for the fatal mauling of Amie Adamson, a former teacher from Kansas, on a forest trail west of Yellowstone National Park in July. The same grizzly bear had also injured someone near Henrys Lake State Park in 2020.

This recent incident adds to the string of aggressive encounters between humans and grizzly bears in Montana. Just a few weeks ago, on September 29th, two men shot an adult grizzly bear after an unexpected encounter in Flathead National Forest. During the incident, one of the men was accidentally shot in the back.

Yellowstone National Park, located 55 miles south of Big Sky, typically experiences approximately one bear attack per year. Since the park was established in 1872, eight individuals have tragically lost their lives due to bear encounters. Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states.

Authorities are urging hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be vigilant and prepared during this time of year when bears are actively searching for food before hibernation. Having a contingency plan and the ability to call for help are crucial in the backcountry, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation into the recent grizzly bear attack near Big Sky, Montana, continues as officials work to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.