Black bear euthanized after it attacks, injures child inside tent at Montana campground

A girl was hospitalized after a black bear attacked and injured her while she was inside a tent at a private campground near Custer National Forest, Montana authorities say.

The child was inside a tent at a private campground south of Red Lodge when the subadult female black bear attacked the tent around 10 p.m. Sunday, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) said in a news release Tuesday. While authorities did not release the age or gender of the child, NBC Montana of Missoula reported the injured child was a 3-year-old girl, citing Chrissy Webb, a spokesperson for the FWP.

Game wardens and bear specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks responded to the incident, evacuated the campground and set up traps and snares to capture the bear, the news release said.

The injured child, meanwhile, was transported to a medical facility in Billings. An update on their injuries and condition was not available and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for an update.

The bear was captured the next afternoon, Sunday Aug. 12, and was shot and euthanized, according to FWP.

'Unsecured attractants' found near campsite

"FWP found unsecured attractants, including garbage, a cooler, and human food, around and inside the tent where the attack occurred," the news release said, adding the the black bear involved in the incident had no history of conflicts.

However, FWP said it was likely the bear had become "food-conditioned and human-habituated after accessing unsecured attractants in the area."

The agency said on-site evidence matched the physical characteristics of the bear and the animal that was euthanized was the one involved in the attack.

What to do if you spot a bear

The National Park Service suggests keeping a few things in mind in case of an encounter:

• Talk in a low, steady voice and do not scream or otherwise act suddenly.
• Make yourself appear as large as possible.
• Travel in groups and pick up small children upon sighting a bear.
• If you encounter a bear in your own yard, do not leave the house. Ensure everyone is secure inside before banging pots or making other loud noises to scare the bear away.
• If you see cubs, be extra cautious. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.
• It is also permissible to throw items and yell at the bear and fight back if attacked.
• Secure food, garbage and any other food items that are likely to attract bears.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.