Hunter Attacked By Bear Near Augusta During Archery Season Monday

State wildlife officials are investigating after a hunter was attacked and injured by a bear on state-owned land south of Augusta on Monday morning.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the victim was archery hunting near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte on September 14 when he encountered the bear. That's an area immediately west of Augusta, north of the Dearborn River drainage.

Wardens say the bear attacked the man, causing "significant injuries."  But FWP noted that the injuries were fortunately not considered life-threatening.

     The agency hadn't confirmed if the bear was a grizzly. 

Hunter was able to make it out on his own

Following the attack, the hunter managed to drive himself home before being transported by private vehicle to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls for medical treatment.

FWP game wardens and bear management specialists are actively investigating the incident and posting warning signs throughout the Elk Creek and Haystack Butte area to alert the public of bear activity. Wildlife officials stated that the species of bear involved in the attack remains unknown at this time, and no further details have been released.

FWP advises everyone to be "bear aware" right now

With fall hunting seasons underway, FWP officials remind everyone that Montana is bear country and urge hunters to take precautions when afield:

• Pack meat out of the field as quickly as possible.
  
• Avoid field dressing or cutting up a carcass at dusk or night; if caught after dark, use strong headlamps and maintain vigilance.
  
• Hang retrieved game properly and drag gut piles into the open at least 100 yards away from the carcass.
  
• Never attempt to haze or scare off a bear that has claimed a carcass—report all lost game directly to FWP.
  
• Always carry bear spray and keep it readily accessible.