One Person Killed in Early Morning Bear Attack in Montana

Multiple media outlets across Montana are reporting a bear attack in Montana early Tuesday morning. Initial reports stated that a bicyclist was attacked and killed by a bear near Ovando, Montana.

We spoke with Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles and were given the following information.

The Powell County Sheriff's Office received a call about an incident involving a bear and a human at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6 at a campsite in the area of Ovando, Montana. Ovando is located about 60 miles northwest of Helena. One person was killed as a result of the bear attack. The identity of the victim has not been released.

Some news outlets have been reporting a grizzly bear attack, but Sheriff Roselles told us that the bear has not been confirmed as a grizzly bear. The incident is still under investigation, and the Powell County Sheriff's Office and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are currently on the scene. Officials have assembled a team and are currently trying to locate the bear.

Contrary to many reports saying that person was killed while riding a bicycle, Sheriff Roselles confirmed that the person was not riding a bicycle at the time of the attack.

The incident is still under investigation and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Montana is bear country. Make sure you're prepared if you plan on spending time in Montana's wilderness. Never feed bears, and always carry bear spray. For more information about how you can be "Bear Aware" in Montana, click here.