Whitefish man attacked by bear

A 36-year-old Whitefish man was attacked by a bear Sunday morning after he apparently surprised the bear while hunting.

The man was in stable condition, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Two men were reported hunting off of Trumbull Canyon Road northwest of Columbia Falls when the attack was reported at 9:25 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office. Two Bear Air transported the man from the scene to the ALERT helicopter where he was flown to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

An initial investigation indicates the man surprised the bear, which fled the scene after making contact with the man, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. They type of bear was unknown on Sunday.

The man was alone when the attack occurred.

North Valley Search and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The incident is under investigation by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Human Attack Response Team.

More information will be released as it becomes available.