FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — According to a recent news release, on the evening of Sept. 30, while hunting for elk northwest of Henrys Lake, a hunter shot and killed a large adult female grizzly bear in self-defense after it charged the man.
The hunter moved through heavy timber when the large grizzly came out of the brush a short distance from him. After yelling to warn his hunting partner of the bear, the bear charged.
The hunter drew his sidearm and fired several times, killing the bear only a short distance away before it made contact. No human injuries have been reported.
The hunter immediately called the Citizens Against Poaching hotline to report the incident. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) responded to the call and conducted an investigation. The hunter was determined to have acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a close distance.
IDFG says grizzly bears are protected under State and Federal law and reminds hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the Greater Yellowstone area and north Idaho.
Here are some other reminders when hunting in grizzly country:
- Carry bear spray and keep it accessible.
- Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
- Look for the grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see a sign.
- Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
- Hang meat, food and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and 10 feet off the ground.
- When not hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
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