Full-Scale Search for River Forest Hiker Missing in Montana, Bears Spotted Nearby

RIVER FOREST, IL — A River Forest woman has been missing since Saturday near Glacier National Park in Montana. Madeline Connelly, 23, was visiting family in Montana Thursday when she went for a hike with her dog, Mogi. Police have launched a full-scale air and land search for Connelly, with a heightened sense of urgency after bears were spotted in the area.

Family members found her Subaru Outback near the Bear Creek Trailhead in Essex, Montana, but there’s still been no sign of Connelly since Thursday. Rescue crews halted their search Sunday due to rain, but resumed the search on Monday. Search parties spotted an adult black bear along with two cubs very close to where Connelly’s footprints were spotted, 9KXLH.com reported. The rescue effort for Madeline Connelly has escalated to include Two Air Bear Rescue and Glacier National Park.

On Monday night, hundreds gathered at St. Luke’s Church in River Forest to hold a vigil for Madeline Connelly, who is a graduate of Oak Park-River Forest High School. Family members told NBC5 that Connelly is an avid and experienced hiker, who often went for day and overnight hikes solo.

>>Image via Flathead County Sheriff's Office Facebook page