'Terrifying': Hiker from California describes being bitten by grizzly in Glacier National Park

A California man has written a brief description of being attacked by a grizzly bear while hiking in Glacier National Park on May 28.

Daniel Crago posted his recollection of the incident on a GoFundMe page seeking donations for his medical treatment.

Crago wrote that he and his friend were hiking on the Grinnell Glacier Trail on the east side of the park and were about 100 yards from the end when they encountered a snowfield. He said his friend stayed back, but he followed two other hikers to the end of the trail, took some pictures, and then headed back across the snow.

"About halfway down I noticed a smaller grizzly bear that was past me," Crago wrote. "I immediately checked my surroundings and no more than 15 feet above me on the mountainside was a larger grizzly. I did as you’re told, I alerted the bear, but at that point I was so close it likely frightened the bear. As soon as it saw me it charged down and attacked me. I threw my arm up, it bit my arm, dragged me about 20-30 feet, and took off."

There was no mention of bear spray being deployed. In other interviews with California media outlets, Crago did not mention using bear spray.

In a press release, the National Park Service theorized that the sound of loud rushing water may have prevented Crago and the bears from hearing each other.

Crago told one outlet that he looked down and saw his arm dangling and thought he was going to die.

"The encounter was terrifying and left me with a serious arm injury that required immediate medical attention," he wrote. "Thankfully there was a pediatric ER doctor nearby who stabilized my arm and stopped the bleeding, another hiker made continuous sound to keep the bears from returning, another hiker was able to contact EMS via satellite and get the helicopter dispatched to our location. I was airlifted by helicopter to the nearest hospital where the emergency room staff, orthopedic surgeon, and hospital team worked tirelessly to stabilize me and begin my recovery."

He was treated at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell.

In early May, a hiker's body was found about 2.5 miles up the Mount Brown Lookout Trail, with injuries consistent with a bear attack. That trail remains closed due to bear activity, and a couple other nearby trails are also closed. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is currently closed due to snow hazards.

Bear aware event

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will host an free "bear aware" event on Wednesday, June 24 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at 3201 Spurgin Road.

At the free event, there'll be a short overview of bear awareness and safety information for recreationists. Participants will also have the chance to practice using inert bear spray with a robotic bear. Staff will be on hand to discuss best practices, bear biology, how to handle bear encounters and how to avoid attracting bears to your property.

According to FWP, there are several ways to avoid encounters or be safe if an encounter does occur:

• Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.
• Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Make noise periodically to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.
• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
• Watch for signs of bears such as scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
• Around home, avoid attracting bears to your property by storing garbage and other attractants in a bear resistant container or indoors; secure vulnerable livestock with an electric fence; and avoid feeding birds during active bear season.

For more information visit online at fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.