KALISPELL — Montana wildlife officials reported 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 hospitalized following the incident, which occurred about two miles north of Columbia Falls.
According to a news release, the man was alone off North Fork Road in the Flathead National Forest when the attack took place.
The man explained that he shot the bear with a handgun in self-defense after it charged and attacked him. FWP categorized it as a surprise defensive encounter.
Game wardens and bear specialists responded to the scene and confirmed that an adult female grizzly bear was killed.
No additional information has been disclosed at this time.
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FWP provided the following tips on how to be “bear aware” when venturing into the wilderness:
- Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
- Travel in groups when possible and make noise to alert bears of your presence.
- Avoid animal carcasses, as they often attract bears.
- Look for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs, turned-over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
- Adhere to 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 attractions in a locked building from March to December. Keep garbage stored securely until collection day. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are accessible in many areas.
- Avoid feeding wildlife. Bears that are accustomed to being fed lose their natural foraging behavior and pose risks to human safety. Feeding bears in Montana is illegal.
Visit https://fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware for more information on being “bear aware” in Montana.
