An 55-year-old elk hunter from Montana was mauled by a female grizzly on the Rocky Mountain Front Sunday morning after he surprised the bear and her two cubs.

The man, whose name was not released, was with a group hunting private land on the south fork of Willow Creek west of Choteau.

They had shot at some elk, and about 9 a.m., he went into a creek bottom to see if there was a wounded elk when he surprised the grizzly at about 20 yards.

The bear attack lasted about 30 seconds and left him with multiple injuries. As other hunters in his party approached the scene the bears left unharmed, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a release.

The victim was transported by private vehicle to the Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau, then by Mercy flight to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, where he is being treated for his injuries.