San Diego Man Recovers from Grizzly Bear Attack in Glacier National Park
A San Diego man recovering from a grizzly bear attack during a hike in Montana’s Glacier National Park feels fortunate to have survived the harrowing encounter. Daniel Crago, an avid outdoorsman, was hiking along the Grinnell Glacier Trail on May 28, the final day of what was meant to be a weeklong outdoor adventure.
Passion for Nature Drives Outdoor Adventures
Crago’s enthusiasm for the great outdoors began in his youth, which led him to hike over 32 miles throughout the week with a friend. As he approached the end of his trip, they spotted a bear cub off the trail. “Something on the left caught my attention. I looked, and it was a much smaller baby,” Crago recalled.
Surprise Encounter with a Grizzly
His hike took a dangerous turn when he noticed a large grizzly bear nearby. “There was a larger grizzly bear in the same snow patch less than 15 feet away on the hill,” Crago explained. Aware of the potential threat, he endeavored to follow recommended protocols for bear encounters.
Moments of Panic and Survival Instincts
Realizing the precariousness of the situation, Crago fought to maintain his composure. “I panicked, but I tried to stay calm and do what I was taught to do when you see a bear—just warn the bear and let it know you’re there so it doesn’t scare you,” he shared. Unfortunately, the situation escalated rapidly. Upon making eye contact with the animal, Crago recounted how the bear lunged at him with a roar.
A Harrowing Attack
What transpired in a matter of seconds left a lasting impact on Crago. “As soon as we made eye contact, he lunged at me. I threw my arms up to protect my face, and thankfully, it bit me,” he said, his emotions evident as he recounted the attack. The bear dragged him approximately 20 feet before leaving him in the snow.
Rescue and Recovery
Fortunately, two nearby hikers rushed to his aid, one of whom was a doctor. They provided immediate medical assistance until paramedics arrived. Crago was airlifted to a hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and anticipates at least one more as part of his ongoing recovery.
Facing Serious Injuries
The aftermath of the attack revealed serious injuries. “Thankfully, a major artery was diverted and a major nerve in my arm was spared, so I can still move my fingers a little bit and feel sensations,” Crago explained. However, he suffered significant damage, with a completely open forearm and both bones shattered, resulting in some bone loss.
An Indomitable Spirit
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Crago maintains a deep appreciation for nature. “I still love the outdoors. It’s their environment, and I’m lucky to be able to share that,” he stated. Research published in the journal Nature indicates that the majority of people survive grizzly bear attacks, with fatalities occurring in just over 14% of cases. Crago considers himself fortunate to be alive and remains optimistic about his full recovery.
A fundraiser initiated to support his medical expenses is nearing its goal. Crago expressed that any excess funds raised will be donated to the National Park Service, reflecting his enduring respect for the natural world.
