Dustin Kjersem’s battered body was discovered October 12 in a tent near Big Sky, Montana. A 911 caller said it looked like a bear attack. But police now suspect Kjersem was murdered.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said he does not know if there is currently an active threat to the public

When investigators responded, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent with expertise in bear attacks didn't find any signs of bear activity at the scene. That's when investigators began treating it as a homicide, which was further confirmed by an autopsy.

A man found dead in a tent was not killed in a bear attack, as originally reported, but instead was the victim of a “vicious” homicide, authorities say. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said Dustin Mitchell Kjersem,

When Dustin Kjersem was found dead inside his tent at a remote Montana campsite, the victim had injuries so brutal that it was initially reported as a possible bear mauling.

Dustin Kjersem, 35, was found dead in his tent with “chop wounds” on Saturday, the authorities said. No arrests have been made.

When Dustin Kjersem was found dead inside his tent at a remote Montana campsite, the victim had injuries so brutal that it was initially reported as a possible bear mauling.