Glacier National Park, Montana — A hiking trip through one of Montana’s most breathtaking landscapes turned into a terrifying fight for survival after a grizzly bear suddenly charged a man, bit his arm and dragged him across a trail before fleeing.
The victim, 32-year-old Daniel Crago, is now recovering after suffering serious injuries during the frightening encounter on the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail.
Hike Turns Into Nightmare Encounter
According to Crago, the attack happened on May 28 while he was hiking with a friend in Glacier National Park.
Crago said he followed two hikers to the end of the trail to take photographs while his friend remained farther behind. Moments later, he noticed what appeared to be a small grizzly bear nearby.
“I immediately checked my surroundings and no more than 15 feet above me on the mountainside was a larger grizzly,” Crago wrote on a GoFundMe page created to support his recovery.
Realizing the danger, he attempted to follow standard bear safety guidance.
“I did as you’re told, I alerted the bear, but at that point I was so close it likely frightened the bear.”
Bear Charged and Dragged Hiker
The situation escalated instantly.
“As soon as it saw me it charged down and attacked me. I threw my arm up, it bit my arm, dragged me about 20-30ft, and took off,” Crago wrote.
The attack left him with severe injuries, including a fractured arm.
Photos shared on the fundraising page show Crago recovering in a hospital bed with a large cast on his arm, along with X-ray images detailing the extent of the damage caused during the encounter.
Nearby Hikers Rush to Help
According to the National Park Service, the incident was classified as a “surprise encounter with a grizzly bear, which occurred in a snowfield.”
Officials stated:
“During the encounter, the bear charged and fractured the man’s arm.”
Fortunately, several hikers nearby immediately responded to assist the injured man.
“Nearby hikers responded quickly to assist, and the bear moved away from the area. The hikers provided medical aid to the injured man and contacted emergency services.”
Crago later praised those who came to his aid, including a medical professional who happened to be on the trail.
“A pediatric ER doctor stabilized my arm and stopped the bleeding,” he wrote, while “another hiker made continuous sounds to keep the bears from returning.”
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Multiple Surgeries and Long Recovery Ahead
Following the attack, emergency crews airlifted Crago from the remote area and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. The injuries required extensive medical care.
“I’ve had three surgeries now and will need at least one more.”
Despite the seriousness of his injuries, officials confirmed they were non-life-threatening. Investigators believe the encounter may have occurred because neither Crago nor the bear detected each other beforehand.
Authorities said the sound of loud rushing water in the area likely reduced visibility and awareness for both the hiker and the animal.
Trail Remains Closed After Recent Bear Incidents
The attack comes only weeks after another bear-related tragedy in the same national park. On May 3, 33-year-old Anthony Pollio was found dead with injuries consistent with a bear attack.
Officials said evidence suggested that incident was also likely the result of a surprise encounter.
In response to the latest attack, park officials announced that the 10.6-mile Grinnell Glacier Trail will remain closed until authorities determine it is safe to reopen.
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