Anglers shoot at charging grizzly bear in Southwest Montana

Two anglers were reportedly charged by a grizzly bear Monday while they were fishing in Red Rock Creek on Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Montana.

The bear charged through thick brush, state wildlife authorities said, and one of the anglers shot at the bear in self-defense. The anglers were able to leave the area uninjured. 

It’s unknown whether the bear was injured.

Grizzly bear staff and game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks searched the area Wednesday. No bears or carcasses were found. No further management action from the state agency is planned.

Refuge staff with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a temporary closure of a section of Red Rock Creek for public safety. The closure includes the portion of the creek between Elk Lake Road and Upper Red Rock Lake, which is west of West Yellowstone.

The closure will remain in effect through May 5. Stream access east of the road remains open, and Elk Springs Creek has no closures in effect.