The U.S. Forest Service has closed a two-mile section of trail in the Lewis and Clark National Forest southwest of East Glacier Park after a grizzly bear attacked an elk hunter over the weekend.
The grizzly chased 31-year-old Anthony Willits and 29-year-old Greg Louden of Kalispell off an elk carcass on Saturday. The bear was shot after charging the men and biting Willits’ leg.
Acting Rocky Mountain District Ranger Wendy Maples said Monday the remains of the elk and the grizzly could keep the sow’s cubs in the area and attract other bears.
Trail 137 will be closed from its junction with Trail 134 in the north to its junction with Trail 136 in the south to prevent further run-ins between grizzlies and hunters.