Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks released more details on a bear attack in the Cedar Flats area on Aug. 31, noting it was a grizzly sow with a cub and there was a cached whitetail deer carcass about 100 yards off the trail near the incident.

A woman was mauled by the sow about 7 p.m. while walking her dog.  

"Given the presence of the cub, the nearby food resource, and other information, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks specialists have concluded the incident was a surprise defensive encounter. Because of the circumstances and the nature of the attack, no further action will be taken to locate the bear. For public safety, the area will remain closed until further notice. The victim’s dog sustained no injuries and has since been reunited with family," FWP said in a release. 

“This unexpected defensive encounter is truly unfortunate,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”   

FWP, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Forest Service personnel searched the area for the bear shortly after the incident. They used Sheriff's Department infrared drone but could not find it. 

The woman has been hospitalized for her injuries. 

The Cedar Flats Trail system is just north of the City of Columbia Falls and is very popular with mountain bikers, hikers and horsemen. It also runs through prime black and grizzly bear country. 

People recreating there are urged to carry bear spray and practice bear awareness, such as making noise while hiking and not hiking alone or after dark.