Family of Montana Man Killed in Grizzly Bear Attack Speaks Out

He encountered the grizzly while mountain biking near Glacier National Park.

ByABC News
July 1, 2016, 12:26 AM

— -- The family of a 38-year-old Montana man who was fatally attacked by a grizzly bear while mountain biking has spoken out, saying the Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer "put his life on the line every day."

Brad Treat, 38, was mountain biking with a friend on a trail in West Glacier just after 2 p.m. Wednesday when the grizzly attacked, pulling him off his bike. The pair likely surprised the bear as they rode by, said Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry.

PHOTO: An entrance sign to Glacier National Park in Montana is seen in an undated stock photo.
An entrance sign to Glacier National Park in Montana is seen in an undated stock photo.

Treat's companion was able to exit the area and summon help and was not injured in the attack, Curry said.

Treat's sister-in-law, Melissa Treat, told ABC News he was "amazing man, an all around stand up guy, a devoted husband, amazing brother, loving son and loyal friend."

"He would go above and beyond to help those in need," Melissa said.

PHOTO: Brad Treat, 38, pictured here with his wife Somer Treat and their nephew in an undated photo, was killed in a bear attack on U.S. Forest Land in Montana on June 29, 2016.
Brad Treat, 38, pictured here with his wife Somer Treat and their nephew in an undated photo, was killed in a bear attack on U.S. Forest Land in Montana on June 29, 2016.

Melissa said her brother-in-law loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, kayaking, running and biking.

"It was hard to find him indoors," she said. "He loved being outside and enjoying nature."

PHOTO: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Perry Brown prepares to hunt for a grizzly bear that killed Forest Service law enforcement officer Brad Treat near West Glacier, Mont. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Perry Brown prepares to hunt for a grizzly bear that killed Forest Service law enforcement officer Brad Treat near West Glacier, Mont. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016.

U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement Thursday, "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Officer Brad Treat...We are grateful for Officer Treat’s selfless service and share in mourning a life that was taken too soon."

The incident is under investigation by 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 the completion of the investigation, Curry said.

PHOTO: In this Sept. 6, 2013, file photo, a woman kayaks on Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.
In this Sept. 6, 2013, file photo, a woman kayaks on Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.