A woman has suffered “life-altering” injuries after being mauled by a grizzly bear while walking her dog.
The victim, identified only as Aubrey, was attacked after apparently stumbling across a mother bear protecting her cub and a deer carcass.
She was walking with her dog Frankie on a trail when the grizzly reportedly emerged from thick vegetation.
Aubrey suffered extensive injuries on the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls, Montana, US, and was rushed to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, as reported by Need To Know.
She was later flown from northwest Montana to Seattle for specialist treatment.
Her family has not revealed the exact nature of her wounds but said they will have a permanent impact on her life.
Remarkably, Frankie escaped unharmed and has since been reunited with Aubrey’s family and friends.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks launched an investigation alongside the US Forest Service and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
On 31 August, the day of the attack, teams searched for the grizzly using a thermal infrared drone but were unable to find it.
Investigators later discovered tracks indicating the bear was a female accompanied by at least one cub born this year.
A cached whitetail deer carcass was also found around 100 yards from the trail.
Wildlife specialists believe the mother was most likely protecting her cub and food when Aubrey unexpectedly encountered her.
Officials therefore classified the attack as a “surprise defensive encounter” rather than predatory behaviour.
They said no further attempts would be made to find the bear because its actions were considered natural and defensive under the circumstances.
Christy Clark, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said: “This unexpected defensive encounter is truly unfortunate.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The trail system was temporarily closed following the mauling but has since reopened after officials determined the attack was an isolated incident.
A fundraiser has now been launched to support Aubrey and her husband, Arley, through what loved ones described as a “long and uncertain” recovery.
The appeal states: “Aubrey’s injuries are extensive and life-altering.”
It describes her as an experienced outdoorswoman who has covered countless miles on trails across Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
It adds: “She is kind, caring, intelligent, generous and brave.
“She is an amazing friend, wife and community member.
“Aubrey’s laugh is infectious and her energy is vibrant. She is loved deeply by countless people.”
Aubrey is self-employed and it is not known when she will be able to return to work.
The fundraiser has already collected more than $61,000 (£45,000) towards its $100,000 (£74,000) target to help cover medical treatment, travel and living expenses.
Organisers added: “We can’t wait until Aubrey is back on the trail with us again.”
Officials have not released Aubrey’s surname, age or current medical condition, citing privacy rules.
The incident was reportedly the third known grizzly mauling in Montana this year.
A hiker died following an apparent bear encounter in Glacier National Park in May, while another suffered an arm injury after being attacked by a female grizzly later that month.
Wildlife officials have warned that bears feed heavily during autumn as they build fat reserves ahead of winter.
People are advised to avoid trails around dawn, dusk and at night and stay away from animal carcasses or other signs of scavenging.
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