In a harrowing event, a 72-year-old man from Montana managed to kill a grizzly bear that attacked him while he was picking huckleberries. The confrontation took place in the Flathead National Forest, close to Columbia Falls.

The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was alone when the female bear charged at him. Despite suffering serious injuries, he successfully fired his handgun, killing the bear. He was then transported to a nearby hospital for medical care.

Officials from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) believe the bear was a mother protecting her cubs. Dillon Tabish, an FWP spokesperson, noted, “We suspect the bear was acting defensively due to having cubs nearby.” Wildlife workers are now searching the area to determine if any cubs are left orphaned. Depending on their age, the cubs might either be captured or left to survive in the wild.

On the same day, FWP officers euthanized another grizzly bear in Gardiner, Montana. This bear had been raiding homes and scavenging for food around Yellowstone National Park. Officials found it near the Yellowstone River, about 300 miles from Columbia Falls.

Grizzly bears in Montana often come into conflict with humans, especially when they become habituated to finding food near residential areas. FWP attempts to relocate such bears, but those posing a significant threat are euthanized. This policy aims to protect both human lives and the bear population by preventing dangerous situations.

These incidents underscore the need for public awareness regarding wildlife management. FWP advises residents to secure trash and eliminate outdoor food sources to reduce the risk of bear encounters. As the man recovers from his injuries, his story serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in Montana.