Wildlife officers are investigating a reported self-defense shooting of a female grizzly bear with two cubs in the Kraft Creek drainage near Condon on Wednesday.
An unidentified hunter fired a shot at the grizzly within 50 feet after the bear charged, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The hunter reported the incident to FWP immediately and state officials determined the bear was not mortally wounded.
Wardens discovered a deer carcass about 75 yards away from the incident that had been fed upon by the bears. Wardens and biologists followed tracks in the snow from the wounded bear on the ground and in the air with Two-Bear Aviation’s helicopter for several miles as it moved west towards the Mission Mountains.
FWP took the opportunity to thank Flathead County Sherriff Chuck Curry, Two-Bear Aviation and pilot Jim Bob Pierce for their help and cooperation in the investigation.
Hunters are reminded to carry bear pepper spray when hunting in grizzly country. Experts say that bear pepper spray is more effective than firearms in stopping a bear, according to FWP.