Hunter wounds grizzly in Swan Valley

A hunter shot and wounded a female grizzly that he encountered along with two cubs in the Swan Valley on Wednesday.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials said the grizzly charged the hunter, who fired at her from about 50 feet away in the Kraft Creek drainage.

The hunter reported the incident immediately and responding wardens discovered a deer carcass that had been fed on by the bears about 75 yards from where the shooting occurred.

Wardens and biologists followed tracks in the snow from the wounded bear, and Two Bear Aviation’s helicopter assisted in tracking the bear for several miles as it moved west toward the Mission Mountains. At that point it appeared that the bear was not mortally wounded.

Warden Captain Lee Anderson said the response was a team effort and he offered thanks to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, Two Bear Aviation and pilot Jim Bob Pierce for their assistance.

Hunters are reminded to carry bear spray when in grizzly country. Research has shown the spray is more effective than firearms in stopping a bear.