Montana Man Survives Grizzly Bear Attack Outside His Home

On the evening of July 10, a grizzly bear attacked a man near his home on Foothill Road, east of Kalispell.

The landowner found the bear entering a chicken coop after hearing a disturbance outside. He shot and killed the bear that came toward him. Fortunately, the interaction did not injure the man. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is investigating the incident.

Please give Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks a call if you are having problems with bears. Local contact details are available here.

Be Bear Aware

Bear country is Montana. It's easier to avoid bear conflicts than to resolve them. Residents, outdoor workers, and recreationalists can prevent unfavorable bear encounters by taking the following precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately. 

• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.

• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence. 

• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.

• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.

• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.