Montana Bear Attack

We’ve already had our first big bear incident of 2025 and it happened right here in Montana.

As we all know, grizzlies call Montana home, and with the warmer weather rolling in, bears are officially out of hibernation. That means it’s time to start being bear aware again as we all head outdoors to enjoy the best of spring.

One popular spring activity is shed hunting, and that’s exactly what a man was doing near Dupuyer last Friday when he had a close call with a grizzly.

Credit: Canva

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the man spotted the bear at a distance while hiking a brushy hillside. He made the decision to leave the area, but the grizzly charged at close range. The man shot and killed the bear in self-defense. Thankfully, he wasn’t injured.

FWP says the bear was an adult female, estimated to be around 13 years old and weighing roughly 250 pounds. The bear did have one yearling cub, unharmed, and FWP did not intervene because it was old enough to survive on its own.

There will be a federal investigation because grizzly bears are still federally protected across Montana, and no matter how a grizzly is killed here, there is a mandatory investigation. They have not released the identity of the man, but his situation is not uncommon. Montana was also the first state to see a similar incident last year, when another man was charged by a bear while out shed hunting.

Credit: Canva

Grizzly numbers in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems are doing really well—so well, in fact, that experts say the populations are healthy. Still, grizzlies remain listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Management of these bears falls under the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which works with several Montana agencies through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

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The bottom line? If you're in bear country, it's always smart to be bear aware. Not sure what that means or want to brush up on safety tips? You can find helpful resources HERE.

6 Ways To Make Sure You're 'Bear Aware' in Montana

The population of grizzly bears in Montana has grown in recent years. Here's are a few ways to practice being bear aware when you venture into Montana's wilderness.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

12 Animals You Must Report If You Hit Them in Montana

Ever hit an animal while driving in Montana? It’s an unfortunate reality of life on the road here, and while some critters can scurry off unscathed, others aren’t so lucky.

So, who do you call? If you hit one of these animals, you’ll need to report it to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) or local law enforcement. If it’s an emergency—say, the animal is still alive and injured in a way that poses a hazard—call 911. Otherwise, the non-emergency number will do. They’ll guide you on the next steps and make sure everything is properly documented.

Not sure which animals make the list? Keep reading, because failing to report could land you in hot water.

Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie