A South Fork resident was attacked and injured by a bear while out irrigating early Thursday morning.

Yellowstone Gate reported that Patrick suffered serious injuries that included severe facial lacerations, but they were not immediately believed to be life-threatening. The news site quoted Lee Livingston, who had spoken with Patrick's family.

Yellowstone Gate quoted Osterland as saying Patrick's dog had stumbled across a female grizzly with two cubs while irrigating. The sow then reacted protectively and Patrick defended himself with a shovel, the site reported.

Osterland told the Tribune it’s believed the bear was a grizzly, based on hair and tracks observed at the scene of the attack. Three department staffers were pursuing the bear, Osterland said.

“We’re looking for it right now,” he said

Osterland said they plan to capture the bear, but they do not intend to kill it. The bear’s “history and activities” will be considered before any action is taken, Osterland said.

The Tribune will update this story with more information as it becomes available.