US Forest Service Officer Killed by Bear in Montana

A law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service was killed in a bear attack Wednesday on U.S. Forest land in Montana, according to officials.

Brad Treat, 38, of West Glacier, Montana, was fatally attacked by the grizzly bear shortly after 2 p.m. on U.S. Forest land in the Halfmoon Lakes area near West Glacier National Park, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said Wednesday evening.

"Treat was mountain biking on a trail with another male at the time of the attack," Sheriff Curry said in a statement. "It appears they likely surprised the bear and Treat was taken off his bike by the bear. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The second rider was able to exit the area to summon help and was not injured or involved in the attack."

Sheriff Curry described Treat "an integral member of our area law enforcement team and a friend to us all."

The incident is under investigation by the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team of the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks, the U.S Forest Service and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

The area has been closed by the Forest Service for public safety pending completion of the investigation.