Severely injured hunter drives himself home after surviving fierce Montana grizzly attack
According to the 2026 World Population Review report on dangerous wildlife, the grizzly bear is officially ranked as the most dangerous animal in Montana.
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THE TAKEAWAY:
- An archery hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear near Augusta Monday morning.
- The victim suffered significant injuries, but fortunately not life-threatening.
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said its main priority is human safety as the investigation continues.
AUGUSTA, Mont.- A Montana hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear Monday morning, suffering significant injuries before somehow managing to drive himself home.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) the attack happened on state-owned land near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte south of Augusta while the victim was hunting.
Although the injuries were severe, they were fortunately not life-threatening, and the hunter "was transported to Benefis Hospital by private vehicle for treatment after driving himself home.
FILE: Grizzly bear in the Montana forest.See my other Grizzlys! (skibreck / Getty Images)
FWP investigators collected bear hair from the victim and the scene, as well as tracks providing evidence that a grizzly bear was responsible for the attack.
Investigators also found a carcass of a domestic cow about 150 yards from where the hunter was attacked.
FWP said specialists suspect the cow was killed by the bear.
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According to the 2026 World Population Review report on dangerous wildlife, the grizzly bear is officially ranked as the most dangerous animal in Montana.
Currently, the agency is continuing to investigate the incident in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services.
FILE: Grizzly bear warning sign and view from the Beartooth highway in Montana, in western USA of North America.. Nearest cities are Denver, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyoming, Gardiner, Cooke City, Bozeman, and Billings, Montana, North America. (John Morrison / Getty Images)
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The area of the attack has been signed off and closed to public access until further notice, FWP said.
FWP has urged hunters to use extra caution when handling animal carcasses in the field because bears may be attracted to the remains.
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The agency recommends hunters retrieve harvested animals immediately and properly hang the meat they need to leave behind.
Hunters are also advised to avoid cutting carcasses at dusk or at night.
FILE: A warning sign to be aware of bears in the back country (Brian Brown / Getty Images)
If an animal must be left in the field, the FWP said hunters should return carefully and leave it somewhere it can be easily seen from a distance.
Officials also warned hunters not to attempt to haze or scare the bear away if it has claimed an animal. If a game is lost, it should be reported to FWP, they stated.
FWP said its main priority is human safety as the investigation continues.
The identity or health status of the victim cannot be released at this time, they said.