Man shoots grizzly bear in self-defense in Montana after it attacked

A 72-year-old man shot and killed a grizzly bear in Montana on Friday after it attacked him. He has since been hospitalized.

According to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the man was picking blueberries when the altercation occurred.

He used a gun to kill the bear. Officials say it was a “surprise defensive action.” The incident occurred about 3 kilometers north of Columbia Falls in Flathead County.

Montana authorities said an adult female grizzly bear had been killed and that an investigation was underway to determine whether any cubs remained.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials had previously killed another grizzly bear earlier that day after receiving a report that it had broken into a home in Maiden Basin, according to a separate agency press release.

Officials said the bear has been involved in other recent incidents, including breaking into homes and stealing food in the Gardiner area, which is one of the entrances to Yellowstone National Park. No injuries were reported.