Hunter kills grizzly bear in close encounter in Gravelly Range

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ENNIS – A hunter killed a grizzly bear Saturday during a close encounter in the Gravelly Range.

The hunter was reportedly charged by the bear before shooting and killing the bear at close range in self-defense. The hunter was not injured.

Staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks visited the scene the next day and confirmed the bear mortality. The bear was an adult female grizzly with no known conflict history. The bear was in good body condition and appeared to be digging a den near where the encounter took place.

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

 

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

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