Help For Bear Attack Victim and Illegal Firearms Possession Sentence

We are sharing updates on two Montana stories, one involving a fundraiser for the victim of a bear attack, the other on an illegal firearms sentence handed down.

FUNDRAISER FOR WOMAN SEVERELY INJURED IN GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACK

Moosetrack Megan with the Montana Outdoor Radio Show let us know about a fundraiser launched to support a woman who was severely injured in a grizzly bear encounter in northwest Montana.

According to GoFundMe, Aubrey was walking her dog, Frankie, on August 31 when she was injured during a surprise defensive encounter with a grizzly bear.

LIFE-ALTERING INJURIES

Aubrey suffered extensive injuries and was flown to Seattle for a higher level of medical care. Her dog survived the encounter and has since been reunited with family and friends.

Organizers say Aubrey is an experienced outdoorswoman who has spent significant time on trails throughout Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

The fundraiser will help Aubrey and her husband, Arley, cover medical, travel and living expenses as she continues receiving care in Seattle. Aubrey is self-employed, and organizers say it is not yet known when she will be able to return to work.

Organizers are asking for donations while requesting privacy for Aubrey and her family during her recovery.

You can make your donations and get more information here.

READ MORE: Volunteers Hit 'The Ridge' To Improve Montana Elk Hunting Opportunities

HAMILTON MAN SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL FIREARMS POSSESSION

Moosetrack Megan also updated us on a Hamilton man who unlawfully stored a cache of firearms at his house receiving a sentence of 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

After a one-day trial in April of 2026, a jury found Shawn Ryan Cowan, 46, guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm.

TIP LEADS TO INVESTIGATION

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Cowan, who had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, was keeping guns at his residence. A tip to law enforcement led investigators to seek a warrant and search Cowan’s home, where they also found various types of ammunition.

Mr. Cowan had been convicted previously of aggravated kidnapping, burglary, and possession of dangerous drugs in Montana and so was required to register as a violent offender for life.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.