In what seems like a common occurrence this hunting season, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks responded to an incident involving a hunter and a grizzly bear on Saturday in Montana’s Gallatin Range, south of Hidden Lakes. The hunter, who was not injured, encountered a female grizzly bear and her two large cubs. Upon seeing the bears, the hunter climbed a tree to avoid them. However, the adult bear charged, prompting the hunter to shoot and injure it.
After contacting emergency services, FWP staff, game wardens, and a pilot arrived by helicopter. Once on the scene, they euthanized the injured bear and located the hunter. The FWP team did not find any cubs or tracks in the vicinity.
The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, with support from Gallatin County Search and Rescue and the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Montana residents and visitors are reminded that grizzly bear encounters are increasingly likely due to growing bear populations. FWP emphasizes the importance of bear awareness, especially during the fall season when bears are actively foraging. Recommended safety measures include carrying bear spray, making noise to alert bears, and securely storing food and attractants.
Back on September 15th, near West Yellowstone, Montana, an encounter involving bowhunters resulted in the death of a sow grizzly. The incident happened at Tepee Creek, north of the town. The bear, accompanied by two yearlings, reportedly charged the hunters, prompting them to defend themselves using handguns. The confrontation led to the death of the sow and injuries to one of the yearlings. The hunters remained unharmed.
On Sunday, September 1, a bowhunter survived a grizzly attack while hunting elk near Island Park, Idaho. The hunter, who was with a companion, was attacked and injured by an adult male bear on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The men shot and killed the bear with their sidearms. The injured hunter was able to call 911 and was airlifted to an Idaho Falls hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Stay safe while hunting and fishing in bear country. Be prepared and be aware. Always carry bear spray and have it accessible.
ANGLERS – Avoid a conflict
- Do not clean fish in camp.
- Pop air bladder and dispose of fish entrails in the stream or lake. Do not clean fish on picnic tables.
HUNTERS – Stay safe afield
- Pack meat out as soon as possible.
- Avoid cutting up carcass at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
- Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
- If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
- Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
- If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
- Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.
- Download: How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country (PDF)
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