MISSOULA, Mont. — A hunter shot and killed a charging grizzly bear in defense of life while hunting with his young son near Cave Falls Road on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest outside Ashton, according to Idaho Fish and Game.
The incident happened the evening of May 16 while the pair was hunting black bears near a meadow. Officials said the grizzly bear appeared to catch the hunters’ scent, changed direction and began moving directly toward them.
The hunters tried to alert the bear to their presence, but the animal charged from a short distance away. The man fired at the bear with a sidearm before switching to his hunting rifle, killing the bear within about 5 yards of where he was standing.
The hunter immediately reported the shooting to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. Idaho Fish and Game responded and investigated the incident.
After the investigation, officials determined the hunter acted in defense of life because he and his son were being charged by the bear at close range.
Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law. Fish and Game reminded hunters that grizzlies can be encountered throughout the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of northern and central Idaho.
Officials encourage hunters in grizzly country to carry bear spray, travel with partners, make noise in dense vegetation and retrieve harvested meat quickly.