Tag: self defense

Montana hunter kills grizzly bear near hibernation site

A Montana hunter has killed a grizzly bear in self-defense near where the animal had been digging a hibernation den.

A Montana hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear in apparent self-defense Saturday as the bruin charged the hunter.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the adult female grizzly bear, which had no history of conflict with humans, “appeared to be digging a den where the encounter took place.”

Grizzly bears are foraging in advance of hibernation and the hunter apparently surprised the animal. The incident occurred near Ennis in the Gravelly Range in Madison County.

Gravelly Range in Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated in a news release: “This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they prepare for hibernation.

“This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities. Hunters should be aware that bears will remain active throughout the general [hunting] season.”

Grizzly bears are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and can only be killed legally in cases of self-defense.

The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Montana elk hunters kill grizzly bear in self-defense

Hunters in Montana claim to have killed a grizzly bear recently in self-defense as they processed an elk carcass in the backcountry.

Hunters in Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear recently in what they described as a self-defense encounter as they processed an elk carcass in the backcountry.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated in a news release Wednesday that “a small group of hunters” shot the bear as the animal charged toward them on Oct. 3 east of Gardiner.

The hunters were not injured and the incident is under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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The encounter occurred during Montana’s early rifle-hunting season in Hunting District 316. The bear was a 3- to 5-year-old female without cubs.

It was not clear how quickly the hunters had acted in processing the elk carcass to avoid attracting grizzly bears. Bears are extremely active at this time of year as they try to add calories before hibernating.

“Activities that are deliberately quiet or fast moving, such as hunting, mountain biking or trail running, put people at greater risk for surprising a bear,” Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated. “Bears will be active throughout the general hunting season.”

–Grizzly bear image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons