UPDATE, July 2: The search for the bear that killed a Montana mountain biker has been called off as officials determined a high-speed collision caused the attack . The bear was being defensive, not predatory, officials said.
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WILDLIFE -- The search continues for a grizzly bear that killed a Forest Service staffer riding his mountain bike on a forested trail in the Halfmoon Lakes area of Montana south of Glacier National Park, the Flathead Beacon reports .
Brad Treat, 38, of West Glacier and a family member were mountain biking Wednesday afternoon on national forest land near Halfmoon Lakes. The initial investigation suggests the riders surprised the bear around 2 p.m. and Treat was taken off his bike by the animal, according to Curry. The second rider escaped uninjured and summoned help, but Treat was reported dead at the scene.
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said bear traps were set in the area of the attack in an effort to capture to animal. Two Bear Air, the local search and rescue helicopter, flew over the area of Wednesday’s fatal mauling but could not locate the bear.
The U.S. Forest Service has closed access to the forested area off Halfmoon Flats and U.S. 2 where the attack occurred.
Treat grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School, where he was a standout distance runner, in 1996. He spent his freshman year of college at Washington State University as a distance runner on the track team before transferring to the University of Montana.
Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released a statement Thursday morning following Treat’s death.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Officer Brad Treat, who was fatally attacked by a grizzly bear yesterday while biking on the Flathead National Forest in Montana with a family member,” Vilsack stated. “My thoughts are with Officer Treat’s family and loved ones as they grapple with this tragic news and a devastating loss. We are grateful for Officer Treat’s selfless service and share in mourning a life that was taken too soon. The brave men and women of the U.S. Forest Service risk their lives every day in difficult and challenging circumstances, and today we are reminded of their incredible service to our nation.”
