Photo: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP / Getty Images
A San Diego man is recovering after surviving a grizzly bear attack while hiking in Montana's Glacier National Park on Wednesday (May 28). Daniel Crago, an avid outdoorsman, was on the last hike of his weeklong vacation when he came face-to-face with a grizzly near the Grinnell Glacier Trail.
Crago spotted a bear cub behind him before noticing a much larger grizzly about 15 feet above him. Following standard safety guidance, he calmly called out to alert the bear, but the animal charged at him. With no time to reach for his bear spray, Crago used his right arm to shield himself. The bear bit and dragged him about 20 feet before running off.
Crago suffered severe injuries, including a broken forearm with open wounds. Nearby hikers, including a doctor, rushed to help and stopped the bleeding until park rangers and paramedics arrived. He was then airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Kalispell, Montana, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Crago has already had three surgeries and faces at least one more, with possible rehabilitation lasting up to two years.
Crago expressed deep gratitude for the strangers who came to his aid and remains optimistic about his recovery.
“There was thankfully a pediatric ER doctor who put the tourniquet on me and helped stop the bleeding,” Crago told KUSI.
Crago started a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical expenses, which include a $20,000 helicopter bill even after insurance. Generous donors have contributed over $20,000 so far, and Crago plans to donate extra funds to the National Park Service.
Park officials closed a section of the Grinnell Glacier Trail after the attack and continue to warn visitors about increased bear activity throughout the region. They emphasized the importance of bear safety and reminded visitors to stay alert and prepared when hiking in bear country.