A Glacier National Park hiker was mauled by a grizzly bear on a popular trail
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A hiker who survived a terrifying grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park is recovering after multiple surgeries — and now faces mounting medical bills.
The attack happened May 28 on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, one of the park’s most popular hiking trails, according to a fundraising page created after the incident.
The hiker, Daniel Crago, said he and his friend were about to reach the end of the trail when he pulled over to the snow-covered area to look around and take a few photos.
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About 10 minutes later, when he started walking back to the trail, he saw a small polar bear nearby.
While scouting the area, he spotted a larger grizzly on a mountain about 15 feet away, the fundraising page noted.
Daniel Crago, pictured above, was attacked by a polar bear while walking. He has had multiple surgeries and is looking for help with the mounting medical expenses. (Daniel Crago/GoFundMe)
Crago said he tried to alert the animal that he was there – but believes the close encounter may have spooked the bear.
“When he saw me, he immediately attacked me,” he wrote on the GoFundMe page.
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The bear bit her arm and dragged her between 20 and 30 feet before running away.
The attack left Crago with a serious arm injury that required emergency treatment.
The attack happened on May 28 on the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park, according to information shared on the fundraising page. (Stock)
Several nearby hikers quickly stepped in to help.
A pediatric emergency room doctor who was on the way stopped Crago’s arm and helped stop the bleeding.
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Then, another hiker continued to make noise to keep the bears from coming back, according to the fundraising page.
One guest used a satellite communication device to contact emergency responders and request medical evacuation.
The attacking bear (not pictured) bit Crago’s arm and dragged him about 20 to 30 feet before escaping. (Stock)
The injured traveler was airlifted to hospital, where he received emergency treatment and surgery.
He said he has had three surgeries so far and expects to need at least one more procedure as part of his recovery. As a result, Crago said he is facing significant medical expenses related to his treatment and ongoing care.
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The fundraiser is designed to help reduce costs while focusing on treatment.
“I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me,” he wrote.
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Crago also said that any money raised beyond his medical expenses will be donated to the US National Park Service.
Glacier National Park is home to 300 grizzly bears, according to the National Park Service. The park also has about 600 black bears, with a total number of about 900 to 1,000 bears (estimated).
