3-Year-Old Child Now Recovering After Surviving Black Bear Attack at a Campground in Montana

Black Bear Attack camping Montana

By Danielle Ong , Parent Herald Aug 15, 01:26 am

A three-year-old girl is now recovering after surviving a black bear attack while she and her family were sleeping at a campground in Montana.

The three-year-old, identified by officials as Madison Findley-Dickson, was sleeping inside their tent at a campground south of Red Lodge, Montana, around 10 p.m. on Sunday when she was attacked by a female bear, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) officials.

Findley-Dickson was transported to a medical facility in Billings following the attack. Officials did not disclose the child's current condition but noted that she was set to be released on Aug. 13, as first reported by CBS affiliate KTVQ.

Officials evacuated the campsite where the black bear attacked the child. FWP staff members also said they had trapped and euthanized a subadult female black bear. However, they noted that they were unsure whether the animal they captured had been the one involved in the attack.

Officials said the bear they captured had no history of conflicts with humans and was likely only attracted to some items found at the campsite, including garbage, a cooler, human food, and dirty diapers.

"The black bear involved in the incident had no history of conflicts. However, the bear had likely become food-conditioned and human-habituated after accessing unsecured attractants in the area," FWP officials said in a statement.

Findley-Dickson's family has since established a GoFundMe page for her recovery.

Preventing Black Bear Attacks

Most bear attacks can be prevented. Campers are advised to avoid packing odorous food and nonfood items, including fragrant cosmetics and toiletries. Food items should also be packed in bear-proof or airtight containers. Garbage should also be discarded in sealed plastic bags and bear-proof trash containers.

When setting up camp, officials recommend choosing an open site away from any dense vegetation, natural food areas, and natural pathways. Also, avoid sites with signs of bear activity, including torn-apart logs, tracks, scat, and claw marks on trees.

All scented items should be secured by hanging them at least 10 feet off the ground and five feet from a tree. Cooking and eating should also be restricted to 100 feet downwind from the campsite.