FWP: No need to find grizzly involved in May attack south of Libby

Wildlife officials aren’t looking for a grizzly bear that attacked a researcher south of Libby in May because “it did not act predatory,” a spokesperson said.

“We do not tolerate predatory behavior and would’ve sought the animal and eliminated it if it had,” Dillon Tabish of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said Friday by email.

The agency identified the bear last week as a 24-year-old male grizzly that is native — not introduced — to the Cabinet-Yaak area. The bear was identified by an analysis of DNA in hair samples collected at the scene.

The bear attacked Amber Kornak, 28, a field assistant with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, about 11 a.m. May 17 while she was collecting grizzly hair samples in Poorman Creek Drainage for a genetic study.

The bear fled after Kornak used bear spray, but not before seriously injuring her. The Associated Press has reported that Kornak’s skull “was cracked open, (and) her back and arm had been clawed.”

Last week, the agency announced that “neither the bear nor the victim could likely see or hear each other due to environmental factors and noise resulting from nearby high-water runoff and rain and wind.”

“This bear reacted defensively after being surprised and it fled the scene,” Tabish wrote Friday.

After the attack, Kornak activated a device that sent out an emergency signal that notified rescuers. She then walked about two miles to her vehicle and drove about three miles before coming upon someone who drove her to a waiting ambulance that had been notified by her signal.

The ambulance took her to Highway 2, where a helicopter picked her up and flew her to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tabish stressed that “all wildlife create safety concerns in the wild to varying degrees,” and that “everyone should be aware that black bears and grizzly bears are present across northwest Montana and the appropriate precautions should always be followed.”

Those precautions include carrying and knowing how to use bear pepper spray; talking, singing, carrying a bell or using other means to warn bears of human presence; and traveling in groups of three or more people whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.

“This incident particularly illustrates the importance of bear spray,” Tabish wrote. “It most likely saved the victim’s life.”

Kornak, reported to be recuperating at home in Great Falls and doing well, told the Associated Press that despite the attack she still wants to specialize in bear research.

She also said she agrees with the investigation’s conclusion that the bear acted defensively and not in a predatory way.

“He was just doing what bears do,” Kornak told the Associated Press. “I don’t think there’s anything that needed to be done.”