A black bear in Montana was euthanized by authorities following an incident where it attacked a three-year-old girl near Yellowstone National Park on Sunday.
The incident occurred around 10 pm at a private campground located south of Red Lodge, Montana. The child was transported to a hospital in Billings, which is approximately 62 miles away.
Officials from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) swiftly took action by placing a trap at the campsite on Sunday evening. They collaborated with the campground owner to ensure the site was cleared by Monday morning. Additional traps and snares were deployed after the campground was completely cleared.
According to a news release, authorities successfully apprehended the bear on the afternoon of 12 August and unfortunately had to use lethal force.
There were various items scattered around and inside the tent where the incident occurred, including garbage, a cooler, and food.
The female bear had no previous conflicts, but it had likely become accustomed to humans and food, causing it to return to areas with human presence, which would typically frighten bears.
While black bears typically avoid conflicts with humans, they can pose a threat if they feel threatened. In a tragic incident that occurred in 2023, a black bear was responsible for the unfortunate death of a woman in her California home. This incident marks the first-ever occurrence of its kind in the state.
In a recent incident, a woman from western Pennsylvania suffered severe injuries when she encountered a black bear while letting her dog outside.