A grizzly bear (Photo by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Program via FLICKR | Creative Commons license).
A man hunting south of Placid Lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley shot and killed a grizzly bear during an encounter on Nov. 2 after it reportedly charged him at a close distance.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the hunter was not harmed during the encounter.
FWP wardens responded and confirmed the death of the adult male bear. No additional management action by FWP is planned, however the incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
This is the 26th known grizzly bear mortality in 2024 according to FWP’s grizzly mortality dashboard, which was launched earlier this year to help the agency increase transparency, educate Montanans on why grizzlies are killed or die when they are currently federally protected, and to show that the state is ready to manage the species on its own. It’s the second grizzly bear death in Missoula County this year, following an adult female that was killed by FWP officials in mid-October after conflicts with attractants near homes.
This is 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, and FWP officials remind hunters and other recreationists to always carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise, and keep garbage, food and other attractants in secure bins or buildings