Grizzly killed in surprise encounter

A grizzly bear attacked a hunter near Hungry Horse Reservoir Sunday.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is investigating the bear attack on an adult male, who was hunting in the Twin Creek area along the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir, near Spotted Bear.

Photo courtesy of Western Wildlife Outreach

The attack occurred Sunday morning September 24, 2017. According to Fish, Wlidlife and Parks, the injured victim drove with his hunting partner to the hospital.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, a father and adult son were hunting black bears on the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir near the Dry Park area. They were hunting on steep slopes and in thick vegetation.  They were pursuing a black bear they had observed when they encountered the grizzly bear.

The bear charged at them and attacked the son. They saw the brush moving 25 to 30 yards away, but did not see the bear until it was about 12 feet away. The bear grabbed the son’s right arm, at the elbow, and while the bear had a hold of the arm the father shot the bear in an attempt to get the bear off of his son. The bear released, and the father shot again.  The father shot the bear one more time, at very close range, as the bear turned toward him.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife wardens responded to the scene on Sept. 24.  The team located the attack site, which was in thick dense brushy vegetation, and were assisted by Two Bear Air  helicopter in trying to locate the grizzly bear.  On September 25, the team returned to the attack site area to continue the investigation. 

According to FWP Investigator Brian Sommers, the team located the dead female grizzly bear in the area near the attack site. The bear was approximately 12 years old, 250 pounds and in good condition.  This was an unmarked bear with no known management history.  Even though no young bears were visible, Sommers stated that the bear’s behavior prior to the attack was indicative of a defense of young attack and the bear was attempting to reduce the potential threat to her young.