On Sunday, August 11, at around 10 p.m., a three-year-old girl was attacked by a black bear in a tent at a campground near Yellowstone National Park.

Shortly after the attack, professionals, including game wardens and bear experts from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, arrived on scene and evacuated the campground. The child was immediately taken to a hospital in Billings, a nearby city in Montana.

The black bear involved was a female with no known history of conflict, but the bear is likely habituated to humans and their food, so the bear entered the campground without hesitation. Officers found human food and garbage around the tent, which likely attracted the bear.

Following the unfortunate incident, the FWP set up traps and snares to capture the bear. After the animal was caught on the afternoon of August 12, it was euthanized.

There is currently no information available about the three-year-old’s current condition.

As the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks organization explains, “Montana is bear country. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears in Montana.” It is not uncommon to encounter a black or grizzly bear. It is important to know the difference between the two and how to respond to potential encounters.

Don’t be fooled by the black bear’s name, as they can be many colors, including black, brown, blond, and cinnamon. They are typically smaller than grizzly bears, but you shouldn’t rely on their color for identification. Grizzly bears are larger and are known for their humped shoulders and concave face.

Bear protection is a big concern when adventuring in remote areas. Visitors should use bear canisters and store food at least 100 to 200 feet from their planned campsite. To easily find your canister in the dark, wrap reflective tape around the canister. Scented items such as toiletries, medicines, and food all belong in a bear canister.