BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - A government wildlife worker who recently landed her dream job researching grizzly bears in a Montana mountain range is recovering from a surprise bear attack that left her with a fractured skull and other serious injuries.

Officials say U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field assistant Amber Kornak was attacked from behind on May 17 while working near a stream in the Cabinet Mountains. Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Strickland said Tuesday that Kornak managed to reach a canister of Mace-like bear spray to end the attack.

Kornak then walked to her work vehicle and drove to find help. A friend, Jenna Hemer, said it was the "dream job" of Kornak, who is recovering in Kalispell following surgery. The attack remains under investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Kornak's medical bills.