SEELEY LAKE – A grizzly bear was killed by a hunter on Saturday, Nov. 2 after an encounter south of Placid Lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley.

The hunter reported the bear charging him at close distance and then shot and killed the bear. The hunter was not injured in the encounter. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens responded and confirmed the mortality of the adult male bear.

No further management action by FWP is planned. This incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), who also assisted with the response.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

This is also the time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

Tips for hunting and recreating in bear country:

- Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.

- Make noise to alert bears of your presence and travel and hunt in groups when possible.

- Be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks, and in areas with limited visibility. Most attacks happen in surprise, close encounters.

- Watch for signs of bears such as scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses, and be extra aware or avoid these areas.

- Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears. If field dressing an animal, bring what is needed to remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible and have bear spray close at hand.

- If you need to leave the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet of the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.

- Upon your return, observe with binoculars first. Make noise when approaching, and if anything has been disturbed by a bear, leave and call FWP.

For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the USFWS, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. 

This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.