Female Hiker Suffers ‘Life-Altering’ Injuries in Horrifying Bear Attack

A Montana hiker was left with devastating, “life-altering” injuries after she was mauled by a grizzly bear while walking with her dog.

The woman, identified in an online fundraiser only as Aubrey, was attacked on Aug. 31 near Columbia Falls in northwest Montana.

Wildlife officials said the grizzly was accompanied by at least one cub and described the incident as a “surprise, defensive encounter.”

Aubrey had been hiking with her dog, Frankie, when the bear suddenly attacked.

Her injuries were so severe that she had to be flown to Seattle for emergency surgery, according to a GoFundMe created to help with medical, travel and living expenses.

“Aubrey’s injuries are extensive and life-altering,” the fundraiser states.

Her husband, Arley, is now by her side as the couple faces what loved ones described as a long and uncertain recovery.

Aubrey’s dog escaped the terrifying encounter without being injured.

Investigators with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks later found a whitetail deer carcass near the area where the attack happened.

Officials believe the combination of the nearby food source and the presence of a cub may have caused the female grizzly to react aggressively when Aubrey unexpectedly encountered her.

Despite the severity of the attack, wildlife officials said they do not plan to take action against the bear because they believe it was defending its cub and food source rather than deliberately targeting a person.

“This unexpected defensive encounter is truly unfortunate,” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark said.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Aubrey was described by loved ones as an avid outdoorswoman, making the sudden attack especially shocking for those who know her.

She now faces a lengthy recovery after what began as an ordinary walk with her dog turned into a terrifying encounter with one of Montana’s most powerful predators.