Black bear swats at angler fishing alone on riverbank in Montana, officials say

A man was fishing off a riverbank in Montana when a black bear came out of nowhere and swatted his face, wildlife officials said.

The incident happened Aug. 21 on the Stillwater River near Beehive, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a news release.

The man was alone at the river when the animal grazed its paw against his face and then left, officials said.

He had non-life-threatening injuries, so he didn’t seek medical attention.

Wildlife officials said they were alerted and determined the bear didn’t need to be captured because the “bear’s behavior was likely defensive in the surprise, close encounter.”

Beehive is in southern Montana.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

• Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

• Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

• Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

• Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

• Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

• Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

• Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

• Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

• Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

• Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

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