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(NEW YORK) — A black bear attacked and injured a child in Montana Sunday night, officials said.
The child, who had been in a tent at a private campground near Red Lodge, was taken to a medical facility in Billings, according to a news release from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Officials did not provide any information about the child’s identity or current condition.
The campground was evacuated after the attack and the bear was shot the next day, officials said.
Officials said “unsecured bait,” including food and garbage, were found near the tent where the attack took place.
The black bear that attacked the child “had no history of conflict” and “was likely habituated to food and people after having access to unsecured lures in the area,” officials said.
Officials warned the public that Montana is “bear country” and visitors should take precautions to avoid bear encounters while camping.
Campers were urged to keep food outside of tents, dispose of their trash in “bear-proof bins,” and safely store food and any other odorous items.
“People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears in Montana,” the press release states. “Avoiding conflict with bears is easier than dealing with conflict.”
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