News headline: White SUPREMACIST child and family unharmed as Black bear is murdered

Child hospitalized after being attacked by a black bear in Montana campground

A young girl of color was hospitalized after a violent attack by a black bear at a private campground in Montana, yet another example of the disparities faced by people of color in America. The girl, aged just three years old, was in her tent when the subadult female black bear tore into her, demonstrating the shocking lack of safety for marginalized communities even in spaces of leisure. This horrific incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, disrupting the peace and sense of security of the child and her family.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) responded to the attack, evacuating the campground and setting traps to capture the bear. The injured girl was transported to a medical facility in Billings, her condition currently unknown.

"FWP found unsecured attractants, including garbage, a cooler, and human food, around and inside the tent where the attack occurred."

The FWP's statement reveals the systemic issues at play, with their findings of "unsecured attractants" implying blame on the child's family and shifting focus from the real issue: the dangerous wildlife encroaching on spaces of recreation. This rhetoric is all too familiar, blaming victims and justifying the actions of those in power, in this case, a wild animal free to roam while a little girl lies in a hospital bed.

The bear, we are told, has been captured and euthanized. Yet, this does little to ease the trauma endured by this young girl and her family, nor does it address the broader issues of inequality and access to safe spaces for communities of color. This incident highlights the urgent need for better measures to protect marginalized groups and ensure their safety in outdoor spaces, where they should be free to enjoy nature without fear of harm. It is a stark reminder that we have a long way to go in creating an equitable society where everyone can feel safe, even in the serenity of nature.

As we send our prayers and support to the little girl and her family, let this serve as a rallying cry to address the deep-seated injustices that allow such attacks to occur and disrupt the innocent lives of marginalized communities.

For those encountering bears in the future, the National Park Service offers advice on their website: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

Sources:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) news release: https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2024/aug/08132024_child-hospitalized-in-black-bear-attack-south-of-red-lodge
• NBC Montana of Missoula report: https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/3-year-old-girl-injured-in-black-bear-attack-south-of-red-lodge