Wildlife Investigator: Bear Attacked Cyclist Near West Glacier After Collision

News and Adventure from Glacier National Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) personnel are continuing to investigate a bear attack on a mountain biker on June 29th on Forest Service property a few miles south of West Glacier. Brad Treat, a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service, was riding his mountain bike when he was attacked by a bear on the Green Gate/Half Moon trail system off of U.S. Highway 2. Treat’s companion reported the incident and was not attacked. Treat was found dead by officers at the scene of the attack.

Based on preliminary findings, Wildlife Human Attack Response Team Lead Investigator Brian Sommers believes that Treat was moving at a high rate of speed on his mountain bike along the narrow trail and collided with the bear. Sight visibility at the location of the collision is very limited and the collision was unavoidable. The bear reacted which led to the attack.

Based on this information and the investigation to this point, the team has removed the bear traps and cameras from the area.

The Green Gate/Half Moon trail system remains closed and posted by Forest Service officials. For more information on the closure contact Flathead National Forest at 406-758-5200.

The incident is under continued investigation and more details will be released as they become available.

Jeff
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