Angler Kills Grizzly Bear in Self-Defense

An angler killed a grizzly bear in self-defense this week in the Tom Miner Basin.

The encounter happened on Aug. 30 on private land along Tom Miner Creek. Two anglers were walking through dense vegetation when they were charged by a grizzly bear. One of the anglers shot and killed the bear. No people were injured.

The bear’s behavior was likely defensive in the surprise, close encounter. The bear was an adult male grizzly. This incident is still under investigation.

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likeli...