Man shoots and kills bear after attack in Flathead National Forest

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A 72-year-old man shot and killed a grizzly bear in Montana, seriously wounding him.

The man, who has not been identified, was picking blueberries alone on Flathead National Forest property about 2 miles north of Columbia Falls last Thursday when an adult female grizzly charged and attacked him, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported Friday. Columbia Falls is a city of about 5,500 people in northwestern Montana, about 200 miles from Helena.

The man shot the bear dead with a firearm, but he was seriously injured and had to go to the hospital.

“FWP determined that this was a surprise defensive encounter,” the agency said, adding that it was working to confirm whether any of the adult female’s cubs were in the area.

The man’s condition is unknown, and the agency did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for an update on his injuries or the presence of cubs near the scene.

Bears in Montana

Montana is home to both grizzly and black bears, the former being the official state animal.

Grizzly bears are protected by both state and federal law, while black bears are managed as game, according to Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

What to do if you encounter a bear?

The Park Service advises keeping the following things in mind when exploring the backcountry:

  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the signals.
  • Do not make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or where sound is muffled (for example near streams or when it is windy).
  • Make sure you carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • Hike in large groups of three or more people; avoid venturing into the wilderness alone.
  • If you encounter a bear, do not run away, but back away slowly.
  • If you see a bear, notify authorities immediately.
  • If you see cubs, be extra careful. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

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