Image copyright AP Image caption Grizzly bear populations had been declining rapidly, leading to them being listed as threatened species in 1975

A grizzly bear has attacked and killed a cyclist just outside the Glacier National Park in the northern US state of Montana, police say.

The victim was killed on Wednesday about a mile from a West Glacier campground.

The authorities say armed police officers are searching for the bear but gave no further details.

Bear attacks are rare in the area with only 10 deaths reported since the park was created in 1910.

The dead cyclist was a 38-year-old officer with the US Forest Service, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry told Daily Inter Lake.com.

Officials say the grizzly confronted two cyclists on a trail after they disturbed it.

The dead rider was taken off his saddle by the bear and the other rode off to get help.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced plans to remove grizzly bears from the threatened species list.

Image copyright AFP

Grizzly facts

Scientists call it the North American brown bear

There are 20,000 grizzlies in Canada, in Alaska, there are 30,000

In other US states there are an estimated 1,400-1,700

Listed as threatened species in 1975

Threatened by habitat loss due to logging, development, mining, human contact

Creation of special parks has led to some regeneration

Who, What, Why: What should you do if you encounter a bear?