3 days ago
Seeley-Swan resident kills charging grizzly bear
Jun. 6—A resident in the Seeley-Swan Valley shot and killed a grizzly bear earlier this week after the bruin charged at him near his home.
According to state wildlife officials, on the night of June 3, the landowner heard noises and disturbances with his livestock and dogs at his residence between Condon and Seeley Lake.
As he walked outside to check on his animals, the bear charged, officials said. The man shot and killed the bear, and was not injured in the encounter.
The grizzly was a male, according to the state's grizzly bear mortality dashboard.
There have been six documented grizzly bear deaths in the state so far this year, including two deemed to be "defense of life" situations.
Officials warn that bears are active across the region. People experiencing conflicts with bears should call their local Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear specialist.
Grizzly bears reside mostly in western Montana but have expanded their range in recent years. The bruins are protected in the lower 48 states as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
