Montana's grizzly bear commission failed to offer recommendations about any hunting season in its report offered to the governor.
Three hunters were injured Monday in two separate grizzly bear attacks on the west side of the Gravelly Mountains, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials.
The three survivors received moderate to severe injuries. Both attacks involved a single bear, but it’s unclear whether the same bear was involved.
FWP wardens are asking hunters to leave this area while the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest closes Cottonwood Road.
The first attack happened at about 7:30 a.m. Monday. A bear charged two adult male hunters as they were heading south from Cottonwood Creek, west of Black Butte. Both hunters were injured but able to drive away the bear and get medical treatment in Ennis.
The second attack happened in the same general area at about 6:30 p.m. as two adult male hunters were heading north toward Cottonwood Creek. One of the hunters was injured before they drove the bear away. The injured hunter was initially treated in Sheridan and later in Black Butte.
Details of these attacks are still unclear. Both incidents are still under investigation. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
