US: Man Shoots and Kills Grizzly Bear After Being Attacked While Picking Berries in Montana
A 72-year-old man in US’ Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense while picking huckleberries alone in Flathead National Forest on Thursday evening. The adult bear charged at the man, who managed to shoot it with a handgun. He has since been hospitalised, though the extent of his injuries remains undisclosed.
Montana, July 21: A 72-year-old man in US’ Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defence while picking huckleberries alone in Flathead National Forest on Thursday evening. The adult bear charged at the man, who managed to shoot it with a handgun. He has since been hospitalised, though the extent of his injuries remains undisclosed.
According to a report in NYPost, the incident occurred about two miles north of Columbia Falls. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed that an adult female grizzly bear was killed in the encounter, described as a “surprise defensive encounter.” Officials are investigating whether any cubs were present at the scene. Bear Attack in Slovakia: Woman Dies After Being Chased by Wild Animal in Low Tatras Mountains, Body Recovered From Forest.
Dillon Tabish, a spokesperson for the agency, explained that the bear likely acted defensively to protect her cubs. “Depending on the age, we might leave them in the wild because they have a better chance of survival, rather than have to euthanise them,” Tabish said, regarding the potential presence of bear cubs. US Shocker: Minnesota Family Infected With Brain Worms After Eating Undercooked Bear Meat.
On the same day, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff had to euthanise another grizzly bear in Maiden Basin after it broke into a home. This bear had been involved in recent incidents of breaking into homes and stealing food in the Gardiner area, near Yellowstone National Park.
The two incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of human-bear interactions in Montana. As bear populations recover, encounters with humans have increased, necessitating awareness and caution in bear-inhabited areas. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to monitor and manage these interactions to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
Both cases are under investigation, and officials emphasise the importance of safety measures when in bear country, including carrying bear spray and avoiding solitary excursions in bear habitats.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2024 01:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).