BOISE, Idaho — A hunter in east Idaho shot and killed a female grizzly in self defense after the animal charged them on Saturday.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) said on Saturday the hunter was elk hunting north of Kilgore near Mule Meadows in the Caribou-Targhee Forest and was hiking through thick timber. A grizzly bear then charged out of the bushes, just yards away, directly at the hunter.
"The hunter used his hunting rifle to shoot the bear, killing it at a very short distance and before it was able to make contact," IDFG said in a news release.
Fish and Game said the hunter immediately called the Clark County Sheriff’s Office as soon as they had cell service to report the shooting.
Forest Service Law Enforcement and IDFG officials went to the area. After an investigation, they said, "[I]t was determined that the hunter acted in self defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance."
Grizzly bears are protected by federal and state law and may be encountered in Greater Yellowstone and north Idaho.
Idaho Department and Fish and Game provided a list of 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 grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see sign.
- Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
- Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
- When not actively hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.