KALISPELL — State wildlife officials report that a man shot and killed a grizzly bear on Thursday after being attacked while berry-picking in Northwest Montana.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) stated that a 72-year-old man was taken to the hospital following the incident, which occurred about two miles north of Columbia Falls.
The man was alone off North Fork Road in the Flathead National Forest when the attack took place.
He used a handgun to shoot the bear after it charged and attacked him. FWP has confirmed it as a surprise defensive encounter.
Game wardens and bear specialists arrived at the scene and discovered that an adult female grizzly bear had been killed.
No further information is available at this time.
FWP shared the following tips on how to be “bear aware” when venturing into the backcountry:
- Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
- Travel in groups, if possible, and make noise to alert bears of your presence.
- Avoid animal carcasses as they can attract bears.
- Look for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs, turned-over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
- Observe food storage regulations from the relevant land management agency.
- If you come across a bear, do not approach it.
- Secure garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and other attractants in a building from March to December. Use bear-resistant garbage containers if available.
- Do not feed wildlife. Feeding bears can lead to dangerous behavior and is illegal in Montana.
Visit https://fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware to learn more about being “bear aware” in Montana.
