Three hunters have suffered bear attacks in two different incidents in Montana.
Officials have said the two attacks took place in the same area within the space of 12 hours and are now trying to determine if the same grizzly is responsible for both.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a statement the two incidents took place Cottonwood Creek on Gravelly Mountains at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
The statement went on: "The three survivors received moderate to severe injuries. Both attacks involved a single bear, but it's unclear whether the same bear was involved."
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The first attack is reported to have happened around 7.30am and involved two elk hunters and then at around 6.30pm - less than a mile away from where the first incident took place - another hunter was injured.
As yet, the victims haven't been named, but one shop worker in the area says she saw two of the hunters, fresh from the hospital.
Terri James, who works at Shedhorn Sports in Ennis, says two of the men who were attacked visited her shop while wearing their hospital gowns and looking for new clothes. Absolutely nails.
Sharing photos on social media, James wrote: "Working at Shedhorn today, a couple of guys came in just after the grizzly attack! They had guns but said the bear spray is what finally did the trick!"
Speaking to NBC Montana, James, who took photos of the pair, said: "They said he was up and in their face, just right there on them before they even had a chance to really grab a gun or do anything, which I think is important for people to know.
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"The bear was on top of one of the men, and the other one was able to get to his bear spray. He sprayed the bear, and that's what made the bear leave."
She went on to say the men appeared to 'be in good spirits' but that they weren't planning on hunting again any time soon, which seems fair enough.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has issued some advice for folks in the area, urging people to carry bear spray, travel in groups and stay away from animal carcasses.
It added: "If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area."
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Well, you wouldn't have to tell me twice.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: US News, Animals, Bear