Black Bear Attacks Elderly Woman Inside Her Home
Woman seriously injured at residence west of Kalispell, where investigators say bears were repeatedly fed
By Beacon Staff
A black bear attacked an elderly woman inside her home west of Kalispell Sunday afternoon, seriously injuring the woman before exiting through an open window.
Officials say the attack was severe and of grave concern given that it took place inside a home, near where bears had apparently been “extensively fed” with bird feed and other items.
“At this point we are still trying to figure out what exactly happened,” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesperson John Fraley said. “It was a severe attack.”
Wildlife officials say they don’t know how the bear got inside the woman’s home, which is located in a rural area between Batavia Lane and Ashley Lake, but that it clearly left through the window. They emphasized that bears had been extensively fed in the area, but declined to name the parties responsible for the feeding.
Fraley said he doesn’t know whether those responsible for feeding the bears will face charges.
FWP’s Wildlife Attack Response Team completed its initial investigation Monday afternoon and has not yet been able to trap the animal, but will continue the trapping efforts.
Fraley said wildlife officials would have additional updates as the investigation continues.
According to FWP investigator Brian Sommers, the attack was severe and the woman sustained serious injuries. She remains hospitalized in Kalispell.
FWP’s Erik Wenum said other area residents have been notified of the situation.
According to FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson, the incident is under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.