Montana Man Kills Attacking Grizzly with Handgun
Posted 2024-07-31 by
The 72-year-old man was picking berries when he was charged, and he had to be hospitalized for his injuries
A 72-year-old man who was picking huckleberries in Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear during a surprise attack.
According to The Associated Press, the attack occurred July 18 in the Flathead National Forest about 2 miles north of Columbia Falls. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) said the man suffered serious injuries before he was able to kill the bear, a sow, with a handgun. MFWP spokesperson Dillon Tabish said the bear likely attacked to protect nearby cubs.
Wildlife workers installed game cameras in the area to locate the cubs if present. He said if they are found, it’s uncertain if they’d be captured because it’s difficult to find facilities that are qualified to take them.
“Depending on the age, we might leave them in the wild because they have a better chance of survival, rather than have to euthanize them,” Tabish said.
The victim’s name and further details on his condition were not released.
