Deadly bear attack in Montana just outside Yellowstone

When a female bear rampaged through Soda Butte Campground in Montana on Wednesday, two were injured and one man was killed. This Montana bear attack seems to have been unprovoked, though the National Park Service is investigating. While camping is normally very safe, this attack highlights that wild animals can be very dangerous.

Bear attack in Montana’s Soda Butte

At about 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a bear attacked in the Soda Butte Campground in southern Montana. One camper was killed, and two people were badly injured. The bear attacked three separate tents, and rangers evacuated the campground as soon as the dead man was discovered.

An anchor within the vehicle aisles

Avoiding bears is generally a very important part of camping in the backcountry. Sadly, it seems that the Montana bear attack was not specifically provoked. None of the campers left their food outside their trunks or bear boxes. The very busy campground may have made the bear feel she was in danger.

Gallatin National Forest has had many bear attacks

There have been other bear attacks in the Soda Butte Campground in the past. About 10 miles outside Yellowstone National Park, the campground is 10 acres and contains about 27 campsites. In 2008, a grizzly bear attacked one man in a tent. The bear that was involved in that attack was captured.

Keeping yourself safe from bears

There are a few, very simple things you are able to do to protect yourself from bears. First, keep any and all food in either a bear-proof container, inside a automobile or hung 10 feet up and 4 feet out from any tree. Second, put all trash in wildlife-resistant containers if they are available. Lastly, sleep at least 100 yards from cooking areas and food storage.