Researcher walks 3km with fractured skull after being mauled by bear
A woman has walked more than three kilometres the US wilderness with a fractured skull after she was attacked by a bear.
Amber Kornak, 28, who works with bears for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, was conducting a study in mountains in Montana earlier this month when a bear mauled her, according to a GoFundMe page started by her friend Jenna Hemer.
Ms Kornak suffered two skull fractures along with what’s described as “severe lacerations to her head, neck and back”.
“As the bear attacked her from behind she was able to reach her bear spray and spray the deterrent to ward off the bear, and also spraying herself,” Ms Hemer wrote.
“Amber’s wildlife training skills kicked in, and she somehow managed to stay calm and hike two miles (3.2km) from the site of the attack to her work vehicle where she then drove to find help.”
The 28-year-old eventually found help and was transported by air to a hospital.
“Once arriving at the hospital, she endured four gruelling hours of surgery to remove bone fragments and clean wounds to her brain,” Ms Hemer wrote.
“Metal plates and screws were placed on her skull and drains were placed in her brain to relieve brain swelling and drain fluid. The lacerations to her scalp, neck, and back were also debrided.”
Ms Kornak’s condition is now stable and she’s currently recovering in hospital. However, the 28-year-old is suffering seizures from brain swelling.
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“She’s obviously passionate about all wildlife, but her dream and her primary focus was to work with grizzly bears,” Ms Hemer told Associated Press.
“Last I spoke with her was yesterday (Tuesday) and she’s making great strides but it’s going to be a long recovery.”
Officials speculated that noise from nearby Poorman Creek may have allowed the animal to close in on Ms Kornak without her noticing.
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The Cabinet Mountains, where Ms Kornak was attacked, are home to an estimated 50 grizzlies, protected across the region as a threatened species under federal law.
The range also has black bears, typically a less aggressive species.
Officials have not said which type was responsible for the attack that remains under investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
