A California man has recounted the harrowing experience of surviving a grizzly bear attack while hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana. Daniel Crago, a 32-year-old from San Diego, found himself in a life-threatening situation on May 28 while traversing the well-known Grinnell Glacier Trail.
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During his hike, Crago encountered two grizzly bears unexpectedly. Initially spotting a cub on the trail, he soon noticed a much larger adult bear nearby. In an effort to avoid startling the animal, he recalled employing techniques he had learned for such encounters: “Hey bear! Hey bear!” he called out, hoping to make his presence known. Unfortunately, the bear, which had been sniffing the snow, quickly turned its attention to him and charged.
In an interview, Crago described the moment vividly, sharing that he thought he was at the end of his life as the bear lunged towards him. It bit down on his arm and dragged him approximately 20 feet before it decided to flee. “I looked down and saw my arm just dangling. Blood pouring out. I thought I was going to die,” he said, encapsulating the fear he felt during the encounter.
Fortunately for Crago, a nearby hiker—who turned out to be a doctor—stopped to assist him immediately. Along with other fellow hikers, they worked to stabilise his injuries and promptly called for emergency services. He was airlifted to a hospital in Kalispell, where medical staff began to assess his severe injuries.
Despite the severity of his situation, Crago expressed relief that the bear had not caused injury to his wrist or elbow. However, he faced extensive damage to the forearm bones, which necessitated multiple surgical procedures. “It was just a complete crush of the bones,” Crago explained, highlighting the extent of his injuries and the series of operations to follow. To date, he has undergone three surgeries, with a fourth scheduled, as he navigates his recovery.
As the medical bills began to mount, Crago found himself facing a significant financial burden. He revealed that just the airlift cost approximately £16,000 after insurance took effect, and he still has yet to receive bills for his inpatient treatment, which included the emergency care and surgeries he required.
In an effort to manage these costs, Crago has set up a GoFundMe page, appealing for assistance to cover his medical expenses. He urged potential donors for support, saying, “The costs are overwhelming, and I am reaching out for help to cover these expenses so I can continue my recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.”
Crago took the time to express his heartfelt gratitude to those who came to his aid during the incident. He extended thanks to the hikers who assisted him in stopping the bleeding, his surgeon, and the hospital staff who played a role in his care. He even noted that any funds raised beyond his medical needs will be donated to the National Park Service, showcasing his appreciation for the park and its wildlife.
In a statement released on June 2, Glacier National Park confirmed the bear attack incident, noting that it was indeed a surprise encounter. Authorities indicated that the noise of a nearby rushing stream may have made it challenging for both the man and the bear to detect each other in advance. In light of the incident, park officials have reiterated important bear safety guidelines to the public, urging everyone to remain calm and avoid sudden movements if encountering wildlife.
Currently, the Grinnell Glacier Trail remains temporarily closed pending a full assessment by park staff. Crago’s distressing experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature, emphasising the need for vigilance and respect while exploring the great outdoors.