EBS STAFF
A hunter was charged by a grizzly bear, and shot the bear, near the Hidden Lakes area of the Gallatin Range on Saturday, Oct. 5.
At 2:08 p.m., Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hunter who was charged by a grizzly bear. According to a press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the hunter reportedly was charged by a grizzly sow with two cubs, shot the bear with his pistol, and climbed a tree to safety. The sow was wounded and remained in the area while the hunter awaited help.
Officials from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks arrived on scene by helicopter, and teams euthanized the wounded grizzly. Morgan Jacobsen, information and education program manager with FWP, told EBS that the gunshot wound in the bear necessitated euthanization. Officials could not find signs of cubs in the area.
The hunter was not hurt during the encounter, was hunting alone and used a pistol as his tool for self defense.
“We want to encourage all recreationists to be safe in bear country and to be prepared,” Jacobsen said. “Make noise when you are in the field.”
In the Gallatin County release, Sheriff Dan Springer reminded hunters to remain observant of their surroundings.
“Carry bear spray and hunt in groups if possible,” the press release stated. “Avoid areas where bear sign is present and always have a communication device to call for help if something goes wrong.”
The encounter is under an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
