Hunter's arm grabbed by grizzly
FILE - This July 6, 2011, file photo shows a grizzly bear roaming near Beaver Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recorded 223 cases of conflicts between grizzly bears and humans last year. The number is down from the previous year but more conflicts are occurring in areas outside established bear habitat. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart, File)
A hunter suffered minor injuries to his arm following a grizzly bear attack near the Hungry Horse Reservoir Sunday morning, according to an investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
According to the FWP report released Wednesday, the father and his adult son who live in the Kalispell area, were hunting black bears on the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir near the Dry Park area when the female grizzly bear charged and attacked the son. The bear grabbed the son’s right arm at his elbow. The father reportedly started shooting at the bear with a .44-caliber pistol while his son’s arm was still in the clench of the grizzly. The bear released and two more shots were reportedly fired, the final shot at very close range as the bear turned toward the father.
According to the FWP investigation, the pair of hunters were pursuing a black bear along steep slopes and thick vegetation when the attack happened at about 9 a.m. They reported seeing the brush moving about 25 to 30 yards away but didn’t see the bear until it was 12 feet away. After the attack, the injured victim and his father drove to the hospital for medical attention. Neither individual was carrying bear spray.
The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Human Attack Response Team investigated the attack site following the incident, and returned to the scene again Monday when they reportedly discovered the dead bear.
They were assisted in their investigation with aviation support from Two Bear Air.
The Wildlife Human Attack Response Team is responsible for gathering and disseminating evidence surrounding the grizzly bear attack, explained FWP game warden Chris Crane.
“We look for evidence like a blood trail, hair, casings, tracks... anything that can help us piece the story together of what happened,” he said.
The Endangered Species Act allows grizzlies — a protected species in Northwest Montana — to be killed if they are a threat to human life. Crane said it remains unknown if any criminal charges will be filed against the hunters.
According to FWP Investigator Brian Sommers, the team located the dead female grizzly bear near the attack site. The bear was approximately 12 years old, 250 pounds and in good condition. The bear was unmarked with no known management history.
Sommers said the bear’s behavior prior to the attack indicated it was trying to reduce the potential threat to her young. Based on the team’s investigation, and her physical condition, the bear was not lactating at the time it was killed, and was likely accompanied by at least one yearling, which would be weaned and capable of surviving on its own.
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks reminds hunters and recreationists that carrying bear spray is another deterrent option.
Bears are actively feeding in preparation for winter, which can lead to an increase in bear encounters.
“We live in bear country so we need to be prepared for encounters,” Crane said. “In any recreational activity, it’s important to carry and know how to use bear spray.”