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BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) A hunter north of Gardiner was mauled by a female grizzly bear traveling with a cub Sunday on the first day of big-game season.

Kevin Frey is a bear specialist for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He says the man's legs were injured in the attack.

Frey says another hunter helped the injured man to safety. He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital. His name has not been released.

Frey says it's the first reported bear mauling in the area this fall.

Last year, an abundant apple crop near Gardiner made the area attractive for grizzlies.

Frey says bears are scrambling to gain weight before going into hibernation, and are returning to the area of abunDance remembered from last season.

Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-27-08 0857CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list