Updated 1:48 p.m.

State biologists ruled a recent bear attack on the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls a surprise defensive encounter. 

The victim called emergency services around 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 after encountering a bear while walking her dog on the network of trails. She was transported to Logan Health Medical Center with what authorities described as significant injuries. 

Investigators with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks found tracks at the scene that pointed to a female grizzly bear with at least one cub of the year as the culprit. A cached whitetail deer carcass was also discovered about 100 yards from the site of the attack. 

Both the presence of a cub and a nearby carcass point toward a surprise defensive encounter rather than an act of unprovoked aggression, officials said in a Sept. 3 news release. The state wildlife agency plans to take no further action to locate the bear given the circumstances of the encounter, though the Cedar Flats trail complex will remain closed until further notice. 

It is unknown whether bear spray was used during the incident, though a canister was not found at the scene, said Malia Freeman, communications and education program manager for Region 1. Freeman said it is unknown whether the dog was on a leash at the time of the encounter. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks declined to comment on the identity or health status of the victim, citing healthcare confidentiality laws.  

The woman’s dog escaped the encounter free of injury, officials said. The pet has since been reunited with family.  

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.