Montana Campers Attacked By Bear; 1 Dead, 2 Injured

Cooke City, United States (AHN) – A bear attack in a Montana campground has left one man dead and another man and woman injured.

Montanta Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department officials believe only one bear was involved in the attack. The timing couldn’t have come at a worst time as the popular campground on the outskirts of Yellowstone Park is in the height of the tourist season.

Deb Freele, 58, recalled the terrifying ordeal and said she awoke to find the bear gnawing at her arm.

Screaming had no use and in her estimation only aggravated the bear more and with the next few bites she heard her bones breaking under the animal’s intense grip and pressure.

Her only course of action was staying calm, relaxed and playing dead…luckily it worked. The bear trotted off into the brush and has left authorities scouring the area for its whereabouts.

Freele who was making her first visit to grizzly country said the attack lasted about 40 seconds and her husband who was sleeping in a nearby tent had no idea anything happened until it was over.

Freele suffered multiple bites and crushed bones to her left arm. An injured man who has not been identified was rushed along with Freele to a nearby medical center for treatment.

Another man who died as a result of the attack has not been identified.

A spokesman for the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department said a preliminary investigation found no evidence of food at the campsites or in tents — a magnet for bears.

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