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Mauled cop was riding mountain bike at full speed when he hit grizzly
An investigation into the June mauling death of a Forest Service cop in Montana has determined that the officer was riding a mountain bike at a high rate of speed when he crashed into a grizzly bear.
Brad Treat, 38, was descending the "Outer Trail" of the Green Gate Trails in the Flathead National Forest between 1:30 and 2 p.m. June 29 when he rounded a blind curve and collided with the grizzly, according to a Board of Review Report.
Treat was traveling at an estimated 20-25 mph when the accident occurred. There were no tire skids or evasive steering that would indicate that he immediately saw the bear. He hit the animal at full-speed and flew over the handlebars, fracturing his wrists and his left shoulder blade when he tried to break his fall.
When Treat's companion, who was not identified, came upon the scene, the "very big, brownish-black" bear with "bristled up" fur was standing over Trent. The fellow rider reported that he had heard the bear cry out, making a sound "like it was hurt."
The companion froze, not knowing what to do. Neither man was carrying bear spray, a firearm or a cellphone.
By this time the bear was "intent and focused" on attacking Treat and either ignored or did not notice the other man.