A woman was killed in an apparent grizzly bear attack on a trail west of West Yellowstone, Montana, according to a release from Montana Fish and Wildlife.

Saturday morning, a woman was found deceased on the Buttermilk Trail west of West Yellowstone following an apparent bear encounter. Investigators confirmed grizzly bear tracks at the scene and later determined injuries on the woman’s body were consistent with a bear attack. The investigation is ongoing.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest has issued an emergency closure of the Buttermilk area for human safety.

The Buttermilk Area Closure is located about 8 miles west of West Yellowstone.

Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded. People venturing into the outdoors should “Be Bear Aware” by following these precautionary steps:

- Carry and know how to use bear spray.

- Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.

- Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

- Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

- Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility are limited, to alert bears to your presence.

- Don't approach a bear.

Learn more: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear