A GoFundMe account has been set up to support a Columbia Falls independent counselor who suffered life-altering injuries in a Aug. 31 grizzly bear mauling in the Cedar Flats Trail complex north of Columbia Falls while walking her dog.

Aubrey Scott encountered a sow with a cub that had a whitetail deer cached in the area. The attack was ruled a surprise defensive encounter by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks investigators.

Her dog, Frankie, was not injured and was reunited with family. Scott was transferred to a Seattle Hospital for treatment.

To date, $83,870 has been raised for Scott to defray medical expenses and other costs.

“Aubrey is an avid, experienced outdoorswoman, having spent countless miles on both frontcountry and backcountry trails in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and more. Beyond her accomplishments in the outdoors, Aubrey is, above all, an incredible human being. She is kind, caring, intelligent, generous, and brave. She is an amazing friend, wife, and community member. Aubrey's laugh is infectious, and her energy is vibrant. She is loved deeply by countless people,” her friends said in the Go Fund Me post. “Aubrey and her husband, Arley, now find themselves navigating a long and uncertain road to her recovery. This fundraiser is being created in order to help alleviate the financial burden they are facing. These funds will be used to help cover medical, travel, and living expenses as Aubrey will require additional care in Seattle. Aubrey is self-employed, and her return to work is unknown at this time. Lightening any amount of financial strain will help to shift focus solely to Aubrey's continued healing, what matters most.”

FWP initially looked for the bear after the attack, but could not find it. After the investigation, the decision was made to not take any action against the bear as it was a defensive encounter.

Sows with cubs can be aggressive and even more so near a cached carcass.

FWP strongly encourages people who hike in the backcountry to carry bear spray and make plenty of noise while hiking, particularly near blind corners where site distance is limited.

The Cedar Flats Trail system is a popular recreational area with loop trails. It also runs through prime bear habitat. The trail system has since reopened to public use.

The GoFundMe link is here: www.gofundme.com/f/support-aubreys-recovery-following-grizzly-bear-attack