Trego resident kills grizzly in close encounter

A Trego man shot and killed a grizzly bear Monday after what state wildlife officials described as a close encounter with the bruin.

The resident went outside to investigate noises coming from his property when he encountered the male grizzly at close range, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Officials said the man was not injured but did not elaborate on details of the encounter.

Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks responded to the scene. Grizzly bears in Montana are protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The federal regulations allow grizzly bears to be killed in self-defense or in defense of others.

“We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident,” said Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark. “We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling. Fall is an especially active time for bears as they move more in search of food, which can increase the potential for bear-related conflicts. Our staff remains committed to supporting communities and landowners to help people stay safe.”  

The state agency notes that bears enter hyperphagia in the fall, which is a period of intense feeding where bears consume massive amounts of calories to build fat reserves before winter denning. 

Securing food and other attractants is the most effective way to prevent conflicts and keep bears away from your property, officials advised.