Hunter kills charging grizzly bear in self-defense near Mule Meadows

CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST, Idaho – A hunter faced a life-threatening encounter with a sow grizzly bear on October 26 while elk hunting north of Kilgore, near Mule Meadows.

The hunter was walking through thick timber when a grizzly unexpectedly emerged and ran directly at him. The hunter used his hunting rifle to shoot the bear. It did not make contact with the hunter.

The hunter immediately reported the incident to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Forest Service Law Enforcement and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game responded.

After an investigation, officials say the hunter acted in self-defense during the surprise encounter with the bear.

Grizzly bears, protected under state and federal law, are common in the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of northern Idaho. They occasionally venture as far south as the Grangeville and Salmon areas in central Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game emphasizes the importance of safety when hunting in grizzly territory. They advise hunters to carry bear spray, hunt with companions, and communicate plans with each other.

Hunters should be vigilant for grizzly bear signs, such as fresh tracks. They should also retrieve meat quickly and hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and 10 feet off the ground. To avoid startling a bear, they should make noise, especially near creeks and thick vegetation, as most attacks occur when a bear is surprised at close range.