KALISPELL, Mont. — A recent encounter between two hunters and a grizzly bear in Montana serves as a reminder to be bear aware even when hunting other species.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, a pair of hunters killed a grizzly bear in self-defense in northern Montana’s Whitefish Range. The hunters were scouting in a densely wooded part of Flathead National Forest when they suddenly found themselves within 15 feet of a female grizzly with a cub.
The adult female grizzly charged the hunters, who shot and killed her. During the incident, one of the men was shot in the shoulder and was taken to the hospital to be treated. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to monitor the area for the cub.
Hunters should be prepared and hyper-aware of their surroundings, and avoid settings where one could surprise a bear. Always keep at least two cans of bear spray within easy reach. That’s advice from Kristin Combs with Wyoming Wildlife Advocates for hunters who may encounter a grizzly bear while tracking mule deer, elk or other game.
Combs says for hunters who do not take their kills back home the same day, be alert when you do return. She says like all other animals, bears will protect their food source, and no carcass is worth your life.
“If you come upon a carcass, and a bear has already claimed it—and it looks like it’s been partially buried, or covered, or maybe the bear is actually in the area still—that’s the best opportunity to just walk away, and leave that for the bear,” Combs says.
While hunting practices are not in sync with standard safety protocol in bear country—hunters intentionally don’t make loud sounds to announce their presence, for example, or travel in large groups—Combs says there are still ways to stay safe. Be hyper-aware of your surroundings, stay clear of heavy timber cover and areas with dense willows to avoid stumbling onto a bear’s day bed.
Combs says if there is conflict, bear spray is a better tool for the job than your gun. Most hunters in a crisis situation will likely not land a shot that stops a bear on its first charge. Combs says research shows that for anyone visiting bear country, your best bet for walking away without injury to you or the bear is having bear spray close at hand. She adds it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure bears are around for future generations.
