‘I Saw My Arm Just Dangling’: Hiker Survives Grisly Grizzly Attack in Montana, Faces $20K Helicopter Bill
A San Diego man who survived a brutal grizzly bear attack in Montana’s Glacier National Park has described the moment he looked down and saw his arm “just dangling” — a sight he thought would be his last.
Daniel Crago, 32, was hiking the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail on May 28 when he came across two grizzly bears, a cub and a larger adult. Despite following standard safety protocols — speaking calmly and announcing his presence — the adult bear charged without warning.
“I just kind of thought, ‘This is it,’” Crago told CBS 8. “Looked down and saw my arm just dangling. Blood pouring out. Thought I was gonna die.”
The bear bit down on Crago’s forearm and dragged him about 20 feet before abruptly releasing him and fleeing. A stroke of luck: a nearby hiker, who happened to be a doctor, rushed to stabilize the wound while other hikers called emergency services. Crago was airlifted to a hospital in Kalispell, where he has since undergone three surgeries with a fourth scheduled.
“Thankfully, the bear didn’t injure the wrist, didn’t injure the elbow. It was just a complete crush of the bones, the forearm bones,” he said.
But the physical toll is only half the story. Crago now faces a mountain of medical debt, including a $20,000 helicopter transport bill even after insurance. “I haven’t received any medical bills yet from the in-patient stay, which required an ER visit, multiple surgeries,” he noted.
To cover the mounting costs, the lifelong hiker launched a GoFundMe campaign, stating, “The costs are overwhelming, and I am reaching out for help to cover these expenses so I can continue my recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.” He has pledged to donate any leftover funds to the National Park Service.
Glacier National Park confirmed the attack in a June 2 press release, noting that “the sound of loud rushing water” near the trail likely prevented either party from detecting each other in time. The park temporarily closed the Grinnell Glacier Trail and reminded visitors of bear-safety basics: stay calm, speak in a steady voice, back away slowly, and avoid sudden movements.
Grizzly bear encounters, while relatively rare, have become a growing concern in the Northern Rockies as both human recreation and bear populations expand. Wildlife officials emphasize that most bears avoid humans, but surprise encounters — especially near cubs or food sources — can trigger defensive attacks.
Crago expressed deep gratitude for the strangers and medical staff who saved his life, including hiker Eric and Michaela, who helped stop the bleeding; Dr. Vaughn, his orthopedic surgeon; and the crew at Logan Hospital in Kalispell. “I am deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me,” he said.
For now, Crago’s recovery continues, but he hopes sharing his story will remind hikers to stay vigilant — and to never underestimate the wilderness.