Trego Landowner Shoots and Kills Grizzly Bear During Close-Range Encounter

TREGO, Mont. — A Trego-area landowner shot and killed a male grizzly bear Wednesday morning after encountering the animal at close range on his property.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the incident occurred on the morning of October 1 after the landowner went outside to investigate noises coming from his property.

The landowner encountered the grizzly at close range and shot and killed the bear. The landowner was not injured.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana FWP responded to the scene following the encounter.

“We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident,” FWP Director Christy Clark said. “We understand that an encounter like this can be unsettling.”

Clark said fall is an especially active time for bears as they move in search of food, increasing the potential for conflicts between bears and people.

Bears Feeding Heavily Ahead of Winter

FWP said bears are currently entering hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding when bears consume large amounts of calories to build fat reserves before winter denning.

Wildlife officials say securing food and other attractants around homes is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts.

Residents in bear country are encouraged to keep garbage and recycling secured, put trash out only on collection day and avoid leaving pet food outside. Barbecues should be thoroughly cleaned after use, and bird feeding should be avoided during active bear season.

Fruit should be picked as soon as it ripens, while livestock feed should be stored in a secure building. Electric fencing can also be used to protect gardens, fruit trees and vulnerable livestock.

Additional information about reducing conflicts around homes is available through Montana FWP's Living in Bear Country